Keeping your child completely away from the internet is kind of impossible in this period of time. Since most of us are still under lockdown, it’s even more difficult to cut it out completely. Like any other parent, you might also be worried about how to keep your child safe online. So I’ve compiled a list of tips that I use to monitor my son that can help you to keep your kids while they surf the net. These tips will make their learning process of how to use the internet easier while at the same time, keep them away from falling prey to dangers of it.

Use Security Locks and Passwords

Passwords are like a magic trick made just for parents to keep their children’s electronic usage under control. Passwords can come in handy to restrict your child’s usage of mobile phones and internet sites. If your child is old enough to set their own passwords for sites, they need to know how important it is to protect their passwords. Teach them how to set unique passwords and not to share them with anyone. That way, they will be safe while they browse websites without any issue.

Keep An Eye On Their Screen Time

This is probably the biggest tip that can make a difference when it comes to internet safety. Having a proper schedule to manage the time they spend on the internet can be a good way to start. There are a number of apps that will help you put timers on your child’s phones/tablets to control their internet usage. Most websites also let you put parental controls that can assist you to make these changes for your child.

*Extra tip: Because children have a tendency to spend long periods of time looking at a phone/tablet it’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect their eyesight. Invest in blue-light blocking glasses for your children. These glasses block or absorb blue light rays that are emitted from our phones and tablets which can cause eye strain or even blindness.

Learn The Internet Together with Them

It’s really essential to spend time with your child while they are using the internet. This is a great way to understand what they are watching or reading. It also allows you to spend some quality time with them interacting with their favorite games or child vloggers. If you’re with them, you can help them understand the importance of being safe while browsing different websites. Teach them safe ways to connect with their friends and other people they like. Help them find what works best according to their interest but also keeps them safe from crimes and predators.

Make Them Comfortable Enough To Tell You Stuff

If your child trusts you, you will be the first person they will come to when they have any kind of issue. Having that kind of comfortable relationship makes it easier for you to control their internet usage as well. Being close and active with your child will enable you to learn what they like to do and where they spend the most time when they’re online. You can also get to know stuff that can be dangerous and converse with them to help them understand it too. Your child being comfortable with you is definitely one of the crucial steps.

Let Loose Once In A While

It’s okay to feel afraid for your child’s internet safety but you should also not overdo it. If you put too much pressure and restrictions on them, they will feel the need to rebel even more and inadvertently put themselves in danger. Let them discover things on their own and learn things at their own pace. Have fun with them playing and doing other creative stuff like drawing, playing a game, or watching videos. You can always have rules for them but do not include so many rules that they can’t even enjoy themselves.

In the end, while the internet can be a place full of danger there’s also a good side to it. By following these tips and providing a clear understanding, your child will be able to experience the better side of the internet.