When you read news, we often read about potential risks of the Internet. Children are especially vulnerable to online dangers. Social media alone can be risky for younger Internet users. Children often have no idea how to control the use of Internet. They could freely post images and videos from mobile devices, revealing critical personal information that people can use. Parents need to discuss with children about the danger of broadcasting information to hundreds of people. Social media makes it possible for complete strangers to study potential victims. Even if teenagers are able to restrain themselves and not reveal too much information, they may not have the proper online etiquette to establish and maintain relationships with others.
The Internet is a huge realm of opportunities, but it’s also a bag of malicious threats. It is acceptable for children and teenagers to use the Internet for their personal entertainment, but they need to be responsible. As a massive source of information, the Internet is a wonderful educational tool and it’s very easy for students to learn, compared to the pre-Internet era. Here are things that parents need to focus on:
- Ensure appropriate conduct: Children should know that there are real life individuals behind contacts, accounts and messages. Although children can’t directly see, hear and touch these people, they still need to be polite and respectful to others. People are ultimately held accountable of things that they do online.
- Ensure appropriate contacts: Most of the time, children and teenagers already know the person. However, there’s a good chance that children will befriend a stranger through the Internet. It is important to ensure that people have appropriate intentions. There are scammers, bullies and predators who are targeting children. There people are jumping from one victim to another. Tell children that the individual behind the seemingly innocent or attractive profile picture can be completely different.
- Ensure appropriate context: The Internet is largely based on the activities of sharing content. Children shouldn’t be exposed to questionable content. It is possible to slowly approach to content filled with elements of violence, pornography and hate speeches. In fact, with the generally less restricted transfer of information, children will eventually discover bad content. Before allowing children to use the Internet, parents should inform them about the risks of consuming bad content. Parents can reduce risks by providing examples of how bad content could ruin the life of people.
- Begin early: In reality, it is important to begin early and introduce the Internet as soon as possible. It’s better for children to be taught and instructed by their parents, than being taught by friends. Even without external instructions, mobile devices are generally simple enough to allow children start using the Internet. While instructing children to use the Internet, it is a good thing to talk to them about security and safety. Parents should teach children about what’s appropriate and important before someone else does that. Children could simply the YouTube or Browser app on the mobile device to start using the Internet to their heart content. There’s no way parents can prevent children from knowing about the wonder of the Internet.