We live in a world that is rapidly changing and technology is getting more advanced. As a mom, I feel like it’s challenging to keep up. Our kids are working and playing on devices on a daily basis, which is a new challenge for parents. The internet is constantly at our finger tips, so my eyes and ears are continually on alert. Within the speed of a click, toxic harmful things can be seen. It’s important to talk with your kids about Internet and device safety so they can learn what to expect and where danger might be hiding. Here are some ways I start the conversation with my kids.
Explore the Internet Together
First, be sure to enable the parental guidance features on your browser and start a Google search or find something on YouTube Kids. See what items are suggested and discuss with them which ones are safe or appropriate to click on. My daughter likes to scroll Instagram with me. We laugh at funny videos and learn new things together. There’s always room for a conversation about what is safe on the Internet while doing this. Due to her age, we do not allow her to do so by herself. 
Don’t Respond
This is plain and simple. If your child has social media accounts or an email address, they may receive messages from people they don’t know. Please voice that if you do not know the person, or if what they are saying makes you feel uncomfortable or not safe- do not respond. Even though our kids don’t have emails or social media accounts yet, I continually tell them we never talk to strangers on the Internet. We are trying to set strong foundations because we know they will have those accounts one day.
Don’t Share
Talk with your children that sharing personal information, passwords, or personal pictures and videos is not okay. This is true for strangers and friends alike. Unfortunately the world is full of predators that will take advantage.
Keep Devices in Common Areas
It is good to establish a safe space in your house to do homework, scroll, or watch content. In our home, the kids do their homework at the kitchen counter. This allows us to keep an eye on what they are seeing on their devices and intervene if necessary. This also keeps older kids accountable. If this is not an option, you can look into apps that limit what can be shown on a device and restrict with parental passwords. 
We are parents and we are here to guide and help shape our kids into their best selves. If we can give them the tools to learn and flourish isn’t that the best feeling? Internet safety is an important part of their everyday lives. Hopefully this is a conversation you can have with your kids early and often.
If you need to report child pornography, you can contact your local Law Enforcement Office, or call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. Also, the tip line missingkids.com.
