Knowing what your children are doing online is becoming increasingly
difficult. With the advent of mobile and wireless technology, it's no longer as simple as
monitoring a single computer. These safety tips provide you with the tools to help protect
your children wherever they access the Internet.
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Discussion
Parents need to know what's going on in their children's online worlds; since Facebook and other social media sites has become a daily activity for children, it needs to be part of the daily conversation. The more you facilitate a safe and non-judgemental environment, the more likely children will tell you if they come across an issue.
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Computer location
Laptops, smart phones, and tablets have alloved children greater privacy on the Internet - keep these items in a common area where you can monitor websites and time allocated to Internet activity.
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Texting, E-Mailing or Chatting Online Etiquette
Set the expectations for social etiquette in the online world and coach your children to behave as they would in the real world.
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Settings of Social Media Sites
Settings can be difficult to find and hard to navigate, understanding the settings on social networks can save you time and issues later on. You can control what information people can and can't see and what information is sent out upon posting. Please also remember that Facebook prohibits children under 13 from even having a Facebook account.
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Posting Pictures
A picture or photo posted online or sent via MMS through the mobile phone is not private. Make sure that children are aware that mistakes happen and private messages go public, or sometimes trusted friends make errors in judgement. Once a photo hits a social media site, it can be downloaded and reposted across the entire web within hours, is there forever and the consequences of poor decision will be viewable for years to come.
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Children and Adults Should Not Be Friends
Never allow children to 'friend' adults on social media sites. When your child connects with an adult, even if it's a trusted friend or relative, they are exposed to the adult content and images posted on that adult's site.
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Children and Social Media Accounts are at risk
A social media allows for some of a child's personal information to be viewable in a search engine. Ensure that content is managed appropriately. Performing your own Google searches frequently will make you aware of your children's online presence.
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You aren't spying on your children
ProtectaChild "monitors" what children are doing online through keyword searches, we don't send parents all activity, only flagged potential issues.
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