3 foolproof ways to explore Internet safety with your child

Nowadays, children are introduced to the internet from a young age, usually in the form of a tablet or smartphone (I’ve always maintained that electronics are the best babysitters!!!). While it can provide great opportunities for learning through educational content, there is always the chance of your child seeing or hearing something inappropriate. It’s therefore a good idea to talk to your children about internet safety as soon as possible so that they can spot potential dangers. Here’s some advice from a sixth form in Hertfordshire on ways you can explore online safety with your child. 

Keep communication open

Take some time to have a proper discussion with your child about the dangers that exist online, such as impersonation, oversharing and peer pressure. What you talk about specifically will depend on your child’s age, but the key thing to convey to them is that the internet does have a dark side and they should talk to you if anything makes them uncomfortable. Explain how some not very nice people pretend to be someone they’re not to encourage young children to talk to them, and so they shouldn’t talk to anyone they don’t know. It’s also a good idea to explore the subject of oversharing, particularly on social media; explain how it’s important to keep some things private and not share particular images. Point out that revealing too much about yourself can enable hackers to gain valuable information from and about you. 

Explore the Internet together

Again, this will depend on your child’s age, but if possible complete internet-based tasks with your child so you can monitor what they’re getting up to. Of course an older child will probably want to go online independently, but you can still try to get involved where possible. Point out which sites are secure, and which ones are more dubious, and help your child understand why certain sites aren’t appropriate for them. Allowing them to chat to friends online is a good opportunity for you to discuss appropriate online behaviour. 

Make use of educational games and TV programmes on the subject

You’ll be able to find TV programmes which address the topic of internet safety in a fun and visually stimulating way which will help your child understand things better. You can also have a look for games on the subject which they can play on their tablet or on a computer. This will complement what they learn about internet safety at school. 

Your child will probably spend more and more time on the internet as they grow older, so it’s important to teach them what they need to know to spend time online safely.