Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, affirms as children spend more and more time online, it is increasingly important for parents to ensure their online safety.
The internet has revolutionised how we communicate and access information, but it has also introduced new risks, particularly for children. Children are often more trusting and less aware of potential dangers, making them more vulnerable to online threats.
Here are some of the dangers children may face while online:
Cyberbullying
Children may be the target of online bullying, which can take the form of mean or threatening messages, spreading rumours, or posting embarrassing photos or videos. Cyberbullying can have serious consequences, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Predators
Children may be targeted by predators who try to lure them into meeting in person, sharing personal information, or engaging in inappropriate activities. Predators may use fake profiles or pretend to be someone else, such as a peer or authority figure, to gain a child’s trust.
Inappropriate content
Children may encounter inappropriate or harmful content online, such as pornography, violence, or extremist ideologies. This content can have a negative impact on a child’s development and well-being.
Privacy
Children may not understand the importance of maintaining their privacy online and may accidentally reveal personal information, such as their name, age, or location, to strangers. This information can be used to track or exploit them.
Scams
Children may be tricked into giving away personal information or money to online scammers, who may pretend to be legitimate companies or organisations.
To protect children from these and other online dangers, it is important for parents to educate them about internet safety and monitor their online activities.
Five ways to protect your kids online:
Set up parental controls
Parental controls allow you to set limits on what your child can access online and when they can access it. You can use built-in controls provided by your internet service provider or third-party software. Parental controls can also be set on individual devices such as smartphones and tablets. For example, the “Restrictions” feature on iPhones allows you to block or limit certain apps and features.
Use strong and unique passwords
Use strong passwords that are hard to guess, and use different passwords for each of your accounts. Teach your kids to do the same, and consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
Be a good role model
Kids learn from their parents, so it’s important to be a good role model when it comes to online behaviour. This includes being mindful of what you post online and how you interact with others.
Talk to your kids about online safety
It’s important to have regular conversations with your kids about online safety. This includes discussing the importance of protecting personal information, not talking to strangers online, and not posting personal information or images online.
Monitor you child’s online activity
Keep an eye on what your child is doing online and who they are interacting with. Consider using monitoring software that tracks your child’s online activity and alerts you to any concerning behaviour.
“In addition to taking precautions at home, it is important for schools and other organisations to educate children about internet safety and provide resources for those who have been affected by online dangers,” adds Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“By working together, we can help ensure that children have a safe and positive experience online.”
For more visit: www.affinityhealth.co.za