Internet Safety Tips for Kids and Teens
The story of three teenage girls in Europe who disappeared from their homes without notice has gained international attention. They were purportedly lured by ISIS over the internet. Similar threats and sexual predators often lurk in chat rooms designed for kids and teens, pretending to be their peers. After these illicit peoples gain a victim’s trust, they seek the child or teen in person. Parents are rightly concerned about making sure their families stay safe every time they log onto a computer.
There are steps everyone can take to stay secure. It is important for parents and kids to communicate and make sure safe behaviors and barriers are understood. If possible, keep one computer in a public area, such as the living room or kitchen. The accountability of a community space can prevent children and teens from questionable sites. Furthermore, define a set of computer rules:
- Don’t give out personal information, such as your name, school, phone number, or address without a parent’s permission.
- When creating a screen name, don’t include personal information.
- Passwords should not be shared with anyone except parents. On a public computer, such as in a library, completely log out and close the browser before leaving.
- Photos or videos should not be posted without a parent’s permission
- Do not meet online friends in person without a parent’s permission.
- Avoid downloading or opening attachments without showing them to a parent first. This prevents viruses and data breaches.
- Don’t respond to negative messages. Share these interchanges immediately with a parent.
- Talk to a librarian or teacher about safe and reliable sites for conducting research. Don’t stray from the guidelines.
Families do not need to fear or avoid the internet. Parents and teenagers can spend time exploring the web together, and discussing safe internet practices.
Online Independence and Cyberbullying
As teenagers become independent, they should still remember to apply the rules about internet safety. Cyberbullying has become a big problem often associated with these older demographics. As mentioned, whenever kids receive a mean or insulting message, they should show it to their parents. Children and teens need to understand they do not need to reply to every message they receive. The goal of a cyberbully is to start a confrontation and upset the victim; children should not fuel the fire. If they feel uncomfortable online, they should communicate this not only with parents, but teachers and principals.
Cyberbullying is serious and kids have been driven to suicide by these interactions. If a child or teen suspects provocation, he or she should not handle it privately. In some areas, cyberbullying is considered harassment and families may pursue legal action. Parents and teens can report the bully to the service provider, often resulting in the bully’s account being blocked from the site altogether. The aggressor can also be stopped from sending personal messages to the victim simply by changing a setting. Different sites have their own procedures on blocking someone; reach out to them if needed.