Digital Parenting is the safe way
The internet may well be paramount information at your fingertips, but is also a world without limits. These days you have no idea what your kids are looking at or downloading and uploading on the internet. It’s this ease of access that can make the internet a dangerous place for children. Digital parenting regulates what you choose to expose your kids to, with the open-minded approach that children born in the digital age respond better to. The “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” instead of the “no” approach.
Rather than keeping your children from the internet altogether, develop a set of rules that accommodate everyone’s best interests. Establishing rules for using the internet should be simple. Parents need the assurance of setting boundaries that the children understand and are willing to adhere to. Children have the tendency of doing the opposite of what they’re told and a more inclusive approach creates an open relationship between the parent and the child. While the parent maintains a great understanding with their children, the kids need to be aware of the action taken in protecting them online and why this is necessary.
For a start, the computer needs to be in a communal setting. Parents should foster a sense of integrity in their home. The things we do online should be that of a standard where we aren’t ashamed of what we do. The parent gets to see what they’re child is getting up to online, while the child develops a mindset of taking ownership of their online footprint with no qualms about it. The beauty of the internet is that it allows families to stay in touch while remaining independent. Up until you feel your child is old enough to roam the web unattended, monitoring their interactions online allows you to be in control of what they’re exposed to.
Basic internet safety rules also need to be explained to your child. Sharing of personal information, speaking to strangers and visiting unwarranted websites are dangers that they need to be aware of. By establishing the rules and implications together, children are freed to learn and explore. This fosters a trusting relationship between the parent and the child, which is the basis of this open-minded approach. When kids feel that they can be open with their parents, a sense of relief assures the parents that the kids are being safe online.
Teach your child to have positive interactions online. Cyberbullying and negative imprints online should be deterred. Teaching your children to do good things online will leave a lasting effect for when they are not being monitored.
Teaching your kids to protect themselves online is the ultimate goal. Parents should not just protect their kids, but help the kids protect themselves too. It is impossible for you to be present in their lives 24/7 and providing children with a skill that they can take everywhere and use as responsible digital adults.
