Safe Internet for Kids – Possibility or an Illusion

I’m no parent, though I hope to be one someday. Ifthings are this complicated today, I shudder thinking how they would get a fewyears later. With technology becoming an integral part of our lives, it’s hightime we find a way to control it rather than let it manipulate us. 

So how do we create a safe space for kids on theinternet? Is it even possible when just about everything is tech-related andinterconnected? All we can do is try and keep trying until we find things thatwork for us. 

Whatever I write here may not be feasible. It couldbe too exhausting to implement. It could border on idealism. I wouldn’t know.Not yet. But I know I will do my best to follow these. And if things stilldon’t work… well, we won’t know until we try. And when push comes to shove, wegot to wing it! 

PC: Hansuan_Fabregas/ Pixabay
Tips to Creating Safe Internet forKids 

Please don’t think I’m telling a parent how tohandle their children (disclaimers have become too important in today’sworld). 

Consider the Bigger Picture 

Creating safe internet for kids is not anindependent aspect. Many factors, like friends, family, education,entertainment, etc., influence the issue. Take a step back to consider thedaily routine. Start where it began. What’s your occupation? If you work fromhome, how does it influence your screen time? 

In nuclear families with working parents, adultsjust don’t have the capacity to handle everything. And if both parents are notactively responsible for bringing up kids, it’s too much pressure on a singleperson. So, start there. Make a list of all issues that directly and indirectlylet the kids have unsupervised access to the internet. 

AAR of Management 

During my MBA years, I learned how authority comeswith accountability and responsibility. Follow this rule at home for adults andkids. Yet again, show that you are also accountable for your actions,especially your social media usage or dependence. Furthermore, how we speak tothem also matters. We hate being patronized, and so do kids. 

Talk, Talk, and Talk 

Kids have always been inquisitive. I remember beinga curious cat myself (and still am). How we handle this curiosity can affecthow they use the internet. Of course, there will always be exceptions. But ifwe can minimize the risk, is it not worth a difficult conversation? 

I don’t believe in shielding kids from the truth orkeeping them from reality. Sure, we don’t want them having nightmares. However,making them aware of how harmful unsupervised internet usage can be isimportant. Talk and let them ask questions. Be truthful. Discuss the dark web.Provide examples. Let them know that the risks outweigh the rewards everysingle time. 

Device-Free Zones 

The dining table, bed, and kitchen can bedevice-free zones (for everyone). Safe internet also includes limiting thechild’s dependence on an electronic device. Switch to books instead. As a booklover, I recommend books instead of online games.

PC: lorivanv/ Pixabay
Say No to Comparison (or FOMO)

Let’s consider it from the child’s perspective. Kidstend to want what their friends have. Even if parents take every precaution tonot compare the child with another, kids will do it themselves. Show them whythis is not a good idea. Take examples and discuss the issue in detail.Emphasize why they don’t need to follow the herd. 

Show, Don’t Tell 

It may sound like a rule for writing, but it appliesto general life just as much. Set an example by not using your phone orbrowsing mindlessly during family times. A parent posting every moment of theirlife on social media could invariably desensitize kids to the dangers ofoversharing with strangers. 

Don’t tell them to not post everything on socialmedia or add strangers as friends. Show it to them through how you manage yourprofiles. Recognize the risks in your usage before instructing them. In short,practice before you preach. 

Final Words 

Some parents of tweens say a neutral tone works thebest. For younger kids, complete attention to the child for a fixed time everyday should help. Kids who know they are loved are more likely to be assertiveand less likely to look for approval from strangers.

Finally, technology does come in handy to an extent.Devices like the Happinetz Safe Internet for Kids Box can help you set up avirtual playground with age-appropriate content and time restrictions. Withmulti-device compatibility, Happinetz can ease your work to a good extent.However, maintain open and two-way communication with your children at alltimes. Happy parenting! 

This post is a part of Happinetz- Safe Internet For Kids.