How to Protect Children Online: 7 Rules for Responsible Parents | Total Security

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How to Protect Children Online: 7 Rules for Responsible Parents | Total Security


Over the past 20 years, the number of people with access to the Internet has increased more than 7 times. Is it any wonder that many modern children cannot imagine life without the possibility of daily access to the Internet?


Mary Aiken is a renowned expert in cyberpsychology and co-creator of the television series CSI: Cyberspace. Being engaged in scientific activities, she had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations such as Interpol and the FBI. In his book, Dr Aiken expresses the firm belief that every parent can do a lot to protect their own children from the dangers of the World Wide Web. You don't need to be a psychologist, police officer or hacker to do this - just follow a few simple rules.


1. Don't Open Access Too Early

Cyber-babies tied to gadgets from the cradle are not progressed, but a real problem. Contrary to the assurances of unscrupulous sellers of development applications, there is no scientific evidence of the benefits of "digital nannies" now. But research results are suggesting otherwise.


For example, it has been proven that children under two years old, in principle, do not understand very well what is happening on the screen. Therefore, they are unlikely to ever be able to use the "knowledge" obtained in this way. Moreover, there are cases when teaching babies using a tablet led to a delay in speech development. So it is still better to postpone acquaintance with electronic devices until three years when the child has formed basic ideas about the physical properties of the objects around him.


2. Maintain a Balance Between Real and Virtual

Regardless of age, you need to build communication so that most of it takes place in the real world. Children need to see the eyes and smiles of their parents, feel the warmth of their hands, just talk and spend time together. The emotional connection that arises during games and conversations with adults later becomes the main assistant in the fight against problems on both sides of the computer screen, including Internet addiction and bullying on social networks.

It is good if, already at preschool age, the child learns not to be bored without the attention of his elders and to independently find what to do offline for at least an hour. The so-called "disordered play" with other children or alone works wonders for the development of intelligence, emotional stability and motor sphere. And manipulation of traditional toys like blocks and puzzles cannot be replaced by any computer game.


3. Become An Example

The old truth "start with yourself" works just as well here as it does for getting children to read books. Therefore, do not forget to control your own online behaviour and the amount of time you spend in front of your TV and computer screens. The child will definitely notice how often you look at the smartphone in his presence, and very soon he will have a logical question why you can, but he cannot.


Gradually teach children to use the new technology consciously. Set family rules, have dinners or even a whole weekend without gadgets, set alarms and set reminders, or download special programs to track consumed traffic or time on the Internet. Explain why this is needed and demonstrate the benefits of this approach to online learning and entertainment.


4. Meet Technology Together


Do not leave your child alone with a computer or tablet! Install and play together games that are interesting to him, watch videos on YouTube, discuss what he has learned with the help of the Internet and various applications. If possible, be interested in technology and software innovations, so that you have something to answer the immortal argument “the whole class already has it, and I also want it”.


Do not miss the chance to “make friends” with your child on social networks and find out how his relationship with “friends” is developing. Make it clear that if something goes wrong while exploring the virtual world, you do not need to try to cope with it alone. After all, that's what parents are for, to help their children.


5. Don't Use Gadgets as a Sedative


Stop using any gadgets an hour before bed and teach your kids to do it. Parents of "hyperactive" preschoolers may think that having buried themselves in a tablet, the child will finally be able to concentrate and "sit quietly for a few minutes", but in fact, such a pastime even more disinhibited children and can turn into a real addiction. Psychologists are convinced that children with ADHD signs do not need to be “drained” physically and emotionally. Most often, in the evenings, they need calmness and rest even more than everyone else. It can be a quiet conversation, listening to an audiobook, or any other ritual of going to bed, but the light of the screens must be excluded at this time.


6. Follow the Content


Parents should make every possible effort to keep abreast of what their child is doing on the Internet. Children and adolescents should not familiarize themselves with games and sites "for adults", because the constant observation of sex scenes and violence can cause irreparable harm to their development and cause serious problems with behaviour in the future. If a child has discovered aggressive or inappropriate content by accident, it is imperative to talk to him: explain what it is, and help cope with the negative emotions that have arisen in this regard.


Some of these problems are solved with parental control programs, a variety of content filters, passwords and safe search tools, but be prepared for the fact that children will quickly learn to bypass all your tricks. If you notice a "violation", do not rush to scold, take away all devices and even prohibit correspondence with friends. Just once again explain the need to follow the safety rules and allow your child to control their real-life within reasonable limits.


7. Explain Data Protection and Internet Etiquette


Teach children the basics of media literacy and safe online behaviour. Remind you not to tell strangers or leave your personal data, passwords, and other information on dubious sites that could be used by attackers. Tell that any behavior on the Internet leaves its mark, so it is easy to spot a cyberbully and call for an answer, and every published photo can remain on the Internet forever.

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