With the ever-growing use of technology in our society, it is more important than ever to teach our kids how to use computers safely. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 92% of teens go online daily, and 24% say they are online almost constantly. As parents, we need to be sure that our children know how to protect themselves while using the internet. In this blog post, we will discuss some efficient ways to teach your kids about safe computer use.
Get Blue Light Glasses For Them
One way to protect your children’s eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by screens is to get them a pair of blue light glasses. The folks at blockbluelight.com note that blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light, and they can help reduce eye strain and fatigue. You can find a variety of different styles of blue light glasses online or at your local optical shop. When choosing a pair for your child, be sure to select a style that they will actually want to wear.
Talk About Password Security
Another important aspect of computer safety is password security. Teach your kids never to give their passwords out to anyone, even if it’s someone they know and trust. It’s also important to use strong passwords that are a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Help your kids come up with passwords that they will remember, but that would be difficult for someone else to guess.
Explain The Dangers Of Clicking On Links
One way that scammers and hackers can get access to people’s computers is by tricking them into clicking on a malicious link. Teach your kids to be cautious about clicking on links, even if they seem to be from a trusted source. If they are unsure about a link, they can hover over it with their mouse to see where it will take them before clicking on it.
Set Some Ground Rules
Before your kids start using the computer, it is important to set some ground rules. Explain to them why it is important to be careful when using the internet. Let them know that they should never give out personal information, such as their name, address, or phone number, to anyone online. Also, explain to them that they should never meet up with someone they met online without you or another trusted adult present.
Limit Their Time Online
One of the best ways to protect your kids while they are using the internet is to limit their time online. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 18 months should not have any screen time at all. For children aged two to five years, they recommend limiting screen time to one hour per day. And for children aged six and up, they recommend limiting screen time to two hours per day.
Parental Controls
Another way to help keep your kids safe online is to use parental controls. Parental controls are software programs that allow you to limit what your children can do and see online. You can use parental controls to block certain websites, set time limits, and monitor your children’s activity. Additionally, most internet service providers offer parental controls as part of their service.
Monitor Their Activity
One of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe online is to monitor their activity. Be sure to know what websites they are visiting and what they are doing while they are online. If you see anything that makes you concerned, don’t hesitate to talk to your kids about it. This doesn't mean that you need to be spying on them, but it is important to check in with them every once in a while. This will help you ensure that they are using the internet safely and responsibly.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to keep your kids safe online. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your children have a positive and safe experience when using the internet. Make sure to talk to your kids about internet safety often and remind them of these important tips. There are also a variety of resources available online if you need more information or help. With your help, your kids can safely enjoy the many benefits that the internet has to offer. One of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe online is to teach them about strangers. Explain to them that just because someone is on the internet does not mean they are a friend.
