Children’s Online Safety

Child Online Safety A Children's Internet Safety Guide For Parents Child online safety awareness is one of the most important things in today's digital world, where children are increasingly exposed to the internet's vast and often unregulated content. By understanding online safety, parents can help children learn to act responsibly and protect themselves from potential dangers such as cyberbullying, sextortion, predators, and inappropriate content. Educating children about the importance of privacy, the risks of sharing personal information, and recognizing suspicious behavior helps them develop critical thinking skills and resilience. Ultimately, raising awareness about online safety empowers parents and children to enjoy the benefits of the internet while safeguarding their well-being. Chatting with Kids About Being Online From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security & the SCARS Institute The Internet Offers a World of Opportunities for Children But it is Not Safe! People of all ages are: posting videos from mobile devices building online profiles texting each other from their mobile devices creating alter egos in the form of online avatars connecting with friends online they don’t see regularly in person sending photos to friends broadcasting what they’re doing to hundreds of people These ways of socializing and communicating can be fulfilling and, yet, they come with certain risks: The online world can feel anonymous. Kids sometimes forget that they are still accountable for their actions. Some people online have bad intentions, including bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. You may be concerned that your kids could find pornography, violence, or hate speech online. As parents you can reduce these risks by talking to your kids about how they communicate—online and off— and encouraging them to engage in conduct they can be proud of. This guide covers what you need to know, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online. Talk To Your Kids What is the best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents. The Importance of Parental Involvement Read More ...