You may not know what your kids see and hear online if you are not keeping an eye on the online content they consume.
It’s hard to limit screen time for kids, especially when they have to search online for homework, watch relevant videos, play their favorite games, and more.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, out of five, one child is exposed to online content that’s not appropriate for their age.
Read on for more information.
Teach Your Kids about Safe Online Behavior
Education and learning first start at home. You need to build a trustful relationship with your kids, teaching them about the safety precautions they need to adopt in the online world. They must act like digital citizens and report anything out of line.
It’s best if you can sit with your kids while they are using the computer, laptop, or watching TV and using the apps on a smart device. But, it’s life, and being a parent, you have to run the show, so it’s wise to establish a strong bond from the beginning so that your kids can come running to you if they encounter anything fishy.
Learn How to Use The Modern Apps
Kids love playing Roblox, Minecraft, and many other such games. They use TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat and love exploring the apps designed for kids. But how would you know if the app is safe for the kids?
It’s simple, learn to use these modern apps yourself if you can’t ask someone to teach you. Nowadays, it’s easy to educate yourself by using online technology. Then, when you use the app and get the hang of it, it can give you an idea of whether it would suit your kids’ age. Of course, there is an age recommendation to consider, but exploring and seeing if the content is suitable for kids is still best.
Use Parental Control Where Possible
If your kids are using a smart device or laptop, you have the option to take advantage of the parental control settings. So, you can consider these settings whenever possible.
Despite parental control, it’s always better to double-check so that you know your kids have access to safe content. Monitor phone usage and track their daily activities on their iPhone or tablet. Also, opt for age-appropriate apps and books. The online content your kid consumes must be age appropriate.
Read And Check The Online Content
If your kids read an article online or need to read some books, you can glance through the material and see if it’s okay for them. Then, you can plan to teach the kids or help them learn. So, you would know what type of content is available for kids.
It’s usually wise to do a quick online search on everything that comes across your kids’ life. Of course, your kids’ safety matters, and it may seem a daunting task, but it’s essential to know what type of content your kids are exposed to in their everyday life.
Read Reviews And Ask Other Parents
Join a community where you can talk to other parents online or meet them in person. Read reviews on the apps, games, books, and other online content that seem suitable for kids. You can ask other parents to guide you on social media if you have concerns.
It’s always best to know that other parents like you are not alone in this journey. Taking care of kids is a huge responsibility, but it doesn’t have to take a toll on you. You can always ask for help when you can’t understand technology.
Trust Your Instincts
If you are unhappy with a specific online game your kid plays, follow your instincts. Your gut feeling may try to tell you something, and it’s best to trust your inner voice. Talk to your kids about the game and try to get information.
When you discover the pros and cons and it seems inappropriate, deal with the matter sensitively, especially if your kid is fond of that app or game and doesn’t want to delete it. You can politely ask them to use the app only when you sit beside them. The goal is to make your kids feel safe and avoid any type of content unsuitable for their age.
Final Words
Being a parent, you are busy in the hustle and bustle of life. However, it doesn’t mean your kids can consume any online content. It would be best if you were wary of the online content your kids can access and the strangers they may talk to. Sit right next to your kids and have a firm grasp of knowledge of the content they are using.
