3 Ways to Teach Your Child Internet Safety

As children are becoming more exposed to digital media and technology at increasingly young ages, it is more important than ever to have an open conversation with your children about internet safety and how to protect themselves from harm. While the internet can be a useful tool in furthering your child’s education and allowing them to explore their natural curiosity and learn about topics that interest them, there is no denying that the internet can also be a dangerous place, especially for young children who aren’t sure how to navigate it.

 Here are a few tips for teaching your child about internet safety.

1. Start the Conversation Early

From consuming harmful or inappropriate media to accidentally booking an appointment at Institute of Natural Health with your saved credit card information, there are countless ways that a young child using the internet can go wrong, making it important to open up a dialogue with them about internet safety from a young age. When your child is old enough to enroll in school, they are old enough to begin learning about internet safety and why it is so important to be smart and safe when logging onto a computer or other device. 

2. Establish Rules 

Unlimited and unrestricted access to the internet can have irreversible consequences for a child’s brain development. While it is important to be flexible and trust your child to use technology and consume online media in a way that is safe based on the values you have instilled within them, many experts agree that it is a good idea to establish fairly strict rules for your child when it comes to internet use. These rules can range from requiring that homework or chores are done before your child is allowed to get on the computer, or setting a time limit on the use of devices at home. 

3. Set a Good Example

Leading by example is one of the most important ways to ensure that any conversation or life lesson sticks with your child. Being smart about the media you consume and the amount of time you spend online in front of your child is the best way to teach them about internet safety and to keep them from making bad or harmful online choices based on the example you have set for them at home.