Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More
Imagine your childhood. It was different from your kids! They have gadgets, drones, smart devices, and whatnot.
You were playing with siblings and friends but in person. Your kids play with each other and their cousins or friends, but the big difference is that everyone is online.
You may not be a part of this virtual world as you are busy earning and living in the real world.
And if you are unsure how the online world works, you are no longer a part of your kid’s online life.
Sounds scary, right!
Read on for more information.
Why Make Your Kids Online Safety A Priority?
If you are wondering, you need not worry about the safety of your kids when they are playing safely in front of you.
Stop and think again.
Five hundred thousand active predators are looking for their prey. Kids between the age of 12 and 15 can become potential victims.
When children play online games, they may not know who is at the other end. It could be a predator looking for the next target.
Keeping in view this point, it’s a must to consider the safety and well-being of your children when they are in the online world.
Apart from that, cyberbullying is another serious issue. Bullying itself is harmful to the kids. Now add the virtual world on top of that. It’s easy for a bully to be anonymous and leave nasty comments on your child’s profile.
According to Security.org, 44% of all internet users in the USA experience online harassment (as of January 2020).
As a parent, you also need to know what age is suitable for your kids to start using social media. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, a survey (2018) suggests that 90% of teens between 13-17 years have used social media. Excluding the homework, the teens are online nine hours a day.
During the pandemic, even those not using the internet had to rely on it. So, whether you like it or not, life without the internet is incomplete for kids in today’s time and age.
The question here is what you can do as a parent.
Consider the following:
- Learn to use the modern means of technology. You must learn how the internet works. It’s vital to keep pace with the fast-changing world. According to Statista, as of April 2022, there are five billion internet users worldwide. You need to be one of them.
- Ensure the safety and security of the kids online. Talk to your kids about the pros and cons of the online world. If you plan on installing apps, let your kids know that everything they do online is being tracked for their safety. Nothing is possible without open communication.
- Build trust from an early age. Your kids must know that whatever you do is for their safety, and you need to show them too. Your credibility counts, so what you say must matter!
- If your kids report an online incident, deal with it gently and smartly. If you are unsure how to react in such situations, it’s best to ask for help.
- Your kids are your responsibility. No matter what, you are a role model for your kids, so you better be the best version of yourself. When your kids know you well, it will be easy to rely on you even when times are tough. Prevention is always better, but they will know which door to knock on.
There is a community of parents that you can find online too. Join the relevant groups and see what challenges these parents face daily and what they do about it. Look into the apps and software that can help, and ask other parents to guide you. Also, ask teachers as they have years of experience and knowledge. At times, others know how to deal with a particular situation.
Wrapping It Up
Your kids act smart and know how to code. However, they know more about computers and the online world than you. You possibly don’t know how to use social media or play a certain game, but your kids could be facing the online danger. So, now it’s time to act and learn the ins and outs of modern technology. If you find it hard, there are courses available to guide you. You can learn anything! After all, it’s about the safety and well-being of your kids.
