When you think about the purpose our children serve in this world it’s more important than many of often realize. They are our future, the future of our country, way of life, and hopes for a better world. However, they are also extremely vulnerable because of their age and lack of experience in the world and it’s our job as parents to not only protect them but support them while they grow into bright young adults.
Are You Protecting Your Kids While They Are Online?
Here are a few ways you can protect your kids while they are browsing the internet, doing homework, playing games or some of the other reasons kids get online.
We all know technology is here, and it’s not likely to be going anywhere anything soon. Whether we like it or not technology is a critical part of not just our lives but our children. Can you imagine how important it is going to be in 20 years? Our kids are going to have to be able to work a computer, or it could hurt them somewhere down the line. As parents, we have to do our best to keep them safe online and, of course, make sure they don’t turn into a wherever the techy device is potatoes. They still need to get sun, exercise, us their imagination. Socialize, and be kids. Since monitoring their time online is something you can do by setting your alarm or downloading an app I wanted to talk about a few ways you can keep them safe while they are browsing the net.
1.) Communication – This is key to any good relationship. You shouldn’t freak out about your kids looking at a nude website if you have not talked to them bout it or established strict rules while they are online. Also, make sure they know never to meet anyone, give out personal information, not even their real name, address, etc. and it doesn’t matter how much they think they know it. Personal information is never to be giving out.
2.) Spend time together online – Sit down and teach them how to browse online, watch them play games and check it out when they call you. Parents should be interested in their kids activities, including being online. You’ll have a better relationship, and they should be more willing to ask you other questions, like why this pop-up with nude girls keep coming up rather than clicking on it to find out.
3.) They have parental controls, use them – The parental controls are not here for after something happens they are there so parents have a tool that can help them stop their child from becoming a victim.
4.) Sorry kids, but I have to – Talk to your children, explain to them that you’ll need their passwords and other information in case you need them. I would tell them that you will not sue them unless you feel like there is a reason to check on them. Which would likely be to keep them safe since that is why you have the rules, settings, and safeguards in place.
5.) Safeguards – Know someone techy? Ask them about the safeguards you should have in place to help protect your child while they are online.
6.) Monitor – Obviously we don’t want to intrude, but there are times when you might have to. If you suspect your child is doing something online that can get them hurt to do everything possible to find out. You might pull them away from the internet for a while until you are comfortable, and know nothing is happening. There is also an awesome course you can take to help educate parents; it’s not the traditional stuff we hear all the time either, and it’s designed by two mom who come from unique backgrounds. Be sure to read about it toward the end of this post.
7.) Get smart – The internet is always changing, and it can be hard to keep up with everything you need to know to keep your kids safe while they are online, but you can join places like Getting Safe Academy to help you. They are currently launching their big video series project that is geared to help parents like you and learn how to manage our children’s success and safety online.
8.) Triple “S” Course for Parents – The new course is called the Triple “S” Course for Parents, and it is not the same old information you see all over the place. It was created by two moms, who can relate to us but have unique professional backgrounds that pulled them together. It’s rather cool; Heather was a Special Agent with NCIS for 14 years, and Janel created and launched a private social media platform called Frienedy after an experience with one of her daughters on social media.
The Triple “S” stands for Safety, Self Defense, and Social Media 101 and it also features former CIA paramilitary operator who teaches the basic life-saving self-defense tactics to everyone needs to know, but that is not all. You’ll learn a grip of information such as:
- What you need to know about social media app and the ones the kids are using, how they work, and, of course, the pros and cons of each one.
- How to coach your children so they know how to build a good online presence that will impress committees, colleges, scholarships and even employers. Yes, we have to face it they do look at that stuff before hand and even if they say they don’t remember they do have access, it’s public.
- Help your kids apply a particular filter as to what they post online and who they share it with so they can promote themselves the best way possible.
- Learn what it is like to be a special agent with the NCIS and a mother at the same time. Gosh, it has to be scary seeing everything that goes on in the world and thinking that could be my child.
As you can see this course isn’t the traditional stuff we all hear all the time, and it’s from someone who can relate to being a mother but has unique experiences. I don’t know about you, but I already joined because I want to learn how not just to block my kids online but empower them to be successful online.
Learn more about Getting Safe Academy and the Triple “S” Course for Parents (Safety, Self Defense & Social Media 101) CLICK HERE.
