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1. Always keep the child within your supervision
You must know what your child is doing online because the internet can be a double-edged sword, especially for children. Therefore, help your child set up accounts and make it clear that you have the passwords to all their accounts, not to control them, but to be able to step in if something unexpected happens. However, make sure they understand that you trust them and aren't always monitoring their every move. The purpose of having the passwords is to protect them, not to be overly restrictive. You should also regularly check the child’s browsing history.
2. Pay attention to your child's daily behavior
If you notice any unusual behavior in your child, don't ignore or overlook it. Even a small change in behavior, like becoming irritable, impatient, checking the time frequently, acting more fussy, or becoming more withdrawn, usually points to an underlying cause. Your role is to connect with your child and help them open up about what's going on, so you can provide advice and guide them back on the right path.
3. Set clear curfews for your child
You can set up an automatic shut-off time for all devices or computers, like 9:00 or 8:30 PM, which is a simple function to configure. This will help your child understand that it's time to stop and take a break. It helps them form a habit of discipline. Never break the curfew for any reason. It's essential to help your child stick to it as best as possible.
4. Teach age-appropriate sexual education to your child
Child sexual abuse is becoming an increasingly serious issue, with the age of victims getting younger. Online exploitation, especially through platforms like Facebook, is on the rise. For this reason, you should start educating your child about sexuality as early as possible. This education involves helping them understand the sensitive parts of their body that need to be protected and should never be touched by others. There are many safe, age-appropriate educational cartoons available for children under 5 years old that teach sexual education without frightening them. Parents can watch these together with their children.
5. Teach your child how to handle dangerous situations
Teach your child what to do if anyone touches their sensitive areas, as you have already discussed and agreed upon together. It's important to explain how they should respond appropriately based on their age. You need to talk to your child about potential dangers and how they can handle them the best way possible. The threats online are even more dangerous than in the real world because the internet is anonymous—people can hide behind fake profiles, and we don't know who they really are or where they are. It's crucial to prepare your child to deal with these risks effectively.
6. Teach your child to only connect with people they know
You must help your child understand that everything online is virtual and unreliable. If they haven't met someone in real life, how can they verify whether what this person says is true or not? They might claim to be from your child's school, to be a girl, or share similar interests. But behind the screen, they could be anyone. Advise your child to only befriend people they actually know in real life.
7. Never share your child's personal information
You need to help your child understand the dangers of sharing personal information. Explain to them the risks, such as how they could be kidnapped if they reveal their school or home address. Teach your child never to share their full name, home address, or school details with strangers, especially online.
8. It's better to guide the child than to let them wander aimlessly
Do you think you can completely prevent your child from engaging with the tempting virtual world? Even if you try to stop them, can you monitor them 24/7? The more you restrict them, the more they may become curious. That's why, instead of forbidding them, you should guide them.
So, how do you guide your child? Here are some suggestions:
- Understand what your child is watching online, which websites they visit, how often they visit them, and the comments they leave.
- Once you know what your child is watching, assess the appropriateness of those websites. Teach them which sites are suitable for their age and which ones to avoid because of inappropriate or harmful content.
- Listen to your child's interests and find websites that match their preferences. Gently steer them away from unhealthy or unsuitable content.
- Pay special attention to trending searches and potential dangers your child could encounter, such as online threats, explicit messages, inappropriate images, or interactions with strangers.
9. Explore the internet together with your child
Take time to guide your child along the right path. Spend some time browsing the web together and chatting about what they encounter. Teach them how to use the internet safely and listen to them talk about new friends they meet on Facebook or what these friends say to them. Become a trusted friend to your child, always ready to listen to their concerns and help them manage any situation before it crosses a line.
10. Be a friend your child can talk to
You must become your child's closest friend so that if any danger or threat arises, your child will turn to you first. Spend more time talking with them, build trust, and make sure they know that whenever there is any issue, they should come to you right away. It's important for parents to understand that children are naturally curious at this age. Avoid shouting, scolding, or intimidating them because of their curiosity. Doing so will only make them hide things from you. The more open your child feels with you, the fewer problems they will face in life.
