How To Support My Child’s Safer Online Engagement ?

February 6th was Safer Internet Day. Here are some quick tips to help children and adolescents create safe and healthy internet and social media practices. These practices are crucial for their mental health and general wellbeing.

Establish Open Communication. Create an accepting and nonjudgmental space for your child to talk about their online experiences.

Set Age-Appropriate Limits. Ensure your child is using platforms suitable for their age. Keep in mind it is easier to increase what your child has access to as they grow and demonstrate responsibility online than it is to reduce or remove it.

Educate on Privacy Settings. Teach your child how to manage their privacy settings. Discuss considerations for who can see what when it comes to their personal information and content posted.

Set Screen Time Limits. State expectations related to engaging activities outside the internet. Encourage outdoor play, reading, and face-to-face interactions. Set a timer or use parental control settings to limit screen time use.

Create Screen-Free Zones. Designate certain areas in your home or times of the day as screen-free or tech-free zones. This helps limit digital use and promotes mindful families.

Teach Etiquette. Reference the Golden Rule and how it absolutely applies to online experiences too.

Be a Role Model. Your child is watching you and children learn by observing. Be sure to model positive and respectful online behavior. Follow your own advice and expectations.

Teach Critical Thinking Skills. Teach your child to question the credibility of information, how to recognize online risks, and distinguish between reliable and unreliable content.

Supervise. For younger kids, consider sitting down and viewing content together. This allows you to guide their online experiences while ensuring age-appropriate internet use. With older adolescents, some parents use regular check-ins to review phone use or they expect their teen to accept their friend or follow request. Keep in mind that trust is cultivated by allowing your child some privacy, when appropriate of course. At the very least make a point to talk about what you see them post or how you see them engaging online.

Review Consequences. Talk about the fact that whatever they post will live online forever. Remember that private messages can become screenshots and shared without the creator’s awareness or permission. Discuss short and long-term consequences.

Creating safe online practices is an ongoing process that evolves with parental guidance and trust. Every family will have their own rules and expectations related to online behavior. These practices will enhance your child’s online safety and success.