How do you ensure your kids stay safe when using their electronic devices? Technology is here to stay, therefore it’s a parent’s job to make sure that their children are safe when using their electronic devices. These days it’s not uncommon to see toddlers using iPads and children texting their friends, therefore it’s important to swat up on our internet safety guides and teach kids how to stay safe when using their devices. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your children stay safe when using their electronic devices.
Configure your parental controls on your child’s device as well as with your internet provider
The first thing to do with a new device is set up the necessary parental controls for your child’s age group. Apps such as YouTube Kids allow access to the site, but for younger viewers, YouTube Kids is filtered to ensure that they can only see content that is appropriate for them. Make sure to create content filters on your child’s electronic devices that will block any inappropriate content such as pornography, violent videos, and fake news/disturbing news. Contact your internet provider too and set up content filters with them to ensure every one is as safe as possible.
Before letting your children loose on their electronic devices, be sure to discuss the rules that you have all agreed upon
Before you give your kids access to their devices, make sure you’ve talked about the importance of sticking to the rules that you’ve all agreed on as a family. This point specifically refers to teenagers, but it’s also important that younger children understand why restrictions are in place. For example, not being able to use social media or play certain games because of their age.
Revisit the rules often and adapt them as your children age
It’s not enough to just mention these rules once – it’s important to stick to a consistent approach. Certain rules will come up again and again, so revisiting them on a regular basis can help reinforce the importance of them. Regularly check in with your children to discuss the boundaries you have in place.
If you have any ideas on how to ensure your kids stay safe when using their electronic devices.