Internet
Safety Tips for Parents
1. Before you give your child a device, set
clear guidelines in place for its use. Consider making a contract with your
child.
2. No internet capable devices should be
allowed in the bedroom.
3.The device should charge in the parent’s
room and night.
4. Parents should have passwords to all
accounts. This will allow parents to check the child’s phone for any potential
dangers. For example, if there is a cyberbullying issue, it gives the child a
reprieve from the bullying and the parents will be alerted to it.
5. Consider time limits. Younger children
an hour, older children, two hours.
6. Use parental monitoring and website
blocking apps. Make your child aware that you are using these apps. This may
prevent some poor browsing decisions.
7. Research any apps your child wants to
download or better yet, have them research it and report the results to you.
8. What is your reaction going to be, when
your child comes to you, with something that made them uncomfortable, on line?
If your knee jerk reaction, is to take the device away, they, probably, will
not come to you with an online problem, in the future. You must decide what
your response is going to be, before your child comes to you with a problem. Try
to come up with a plan of action that you and your child can agree upon.
9. Remember, if someone sends your child an
unsolicited or an unwanted communication, they are the victim.
10. Be an
open resource for your child. They should feel that they can come to you with
any problem, not just internet related.
11. Report any concerns to NCMEC.
