I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
As a parent, you are your child’s first line of defense against the dangers of the world. In the age of technology, keeping kids safe is even harder. Internet dangers lurk at every turn, and it seems like it’s becoming harder and harder to keep children safe when they’re online. June is Internet Safety Awareness Month and there will be information everywhere on how to keep your child safe while they surf the ‘net. Some of it can be very overwhelming, and thankfully, BGCA and Sprint are helping parents by inviting us to submit our top questions about cyberbullying, social networking, online privacy, mobile smarts, and all other cyber-related issues. The BGCA’s Cyber Safety Ambassadors are a panel of Boys & Girls Club teens from all around the world, which will answer parents’ questions from a teens’ perspective on CyberSafeFutures.org. Their answers will help educate parents and other mentors to help avoid those risky situations for their kids and teens online.
As a mom, I am very pro-active when it comes to my children and online usage. Let’s face it, most kids are often more knowledgeable and savvy than parents when it comes to technology than before! My own kids have been using the computer even before they went to pre-k and since technology is a big part of our lives I am usually on top of things but with new social platforms popping up daily it can be hard to catch everything! My oldest two kids are 15 and 16 but I still feel that it’s my duty to make sure they still know and follow my rules.
So, take a look at my own simple tips to start making your kids safer right now while they engage in Internet fun.
First, understand what you are facing as a parent. According to a release presented by the FBI, there are an estimated 50,000 predators online at any moment, and they’re looking for easy victims. Children make some of the easiest targets for these predators. Also, you need to remember that “online” is not just your computer. Smart phones, video games, and eReader devices can all link to the Internet, providing a window for predators to invade your child’s space.
Second, your kids need to know the dangers. It may sound scary to them, but it is something they need to know on order to watch out for predators. Tell them the current stats about child abductions and discuss with them the techniques predators will use to lure them away from their homes, or to even sexually exploit them while they are at home. The more aware your children are of the dangers, the more they will learn to be cautious when online.
Third, take advantage of child safety devices on electronics. Passwords, limiting certain mature sites, and even blocking messaging can help keep predators away and provide a blockade against them and your child. Many come built in to devices these days, so take advantage of them. Either ask someone when you buy a device to show you how to use the child safety features on it, check the manual, or even do a basic Internet search. This is just one way to provide a safety net between your child and online predators.
Fourth, monitor your kids when they’re online. There is no substitute for an aware parent that will check their child’s accounts. Be vigilant when they’re online so that you are sure nothing is amiss.
Fifth, establish rules. Tell your children they’re allowed only certain amounts of Internet time. Tell them they are not to speak to anyone that you have not approved. Whatever rules you set, though, make sure they’re followed. Don’t be lenient or lax on punishment if your kids break the rules. This can lead to them breaking the rules often, which can help predators find a way in.
Get your Questions Answered
BGCA has always been committed to keeping kids safe, and in today’s world that means also being safe online. So, Submit your questions to the BGCA Cyber Ambassadors regarding cyberbullying, social networking, online privacy, mobile smarts and other cyber-related issues by clicking here (everyone who submits a question will be entered to win one of three iPad minis and $500 to your BGCA club of choice)
Stay Connected:
Join in the conversation by following BGCA on Twitter and Facebook using #CyberSafe
In the comments below, tell me how you help your child to be “Cyber Safe”.
