4 topics to discuss for the safety of your children on the Internet

Internet is a source of concern for any parent. Indeed, many dangers are present online and we do not want our children to be exposed to it.

We therefore offer four topics to discuss with your family to ensure the safety of your children on the Internet.

1. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the biggest risks to the safety of your children on the Internet. Indeed, the democratization of the Internet allows bullying to continue even once at home.

By seeing negative messages on her account on social networks, the victim may end up with no place where she feels safe and secure. The consequences can be dramatic.

As parents, take the time to explain the ravages of bullying and the impact of words. Remind your children to talk about them if they are actors, victims or bystanders of bullying.

2. “Disturbing” content

Even with the search filter enabled, your kids will be at risk of being in touch with offensive content on the web, be it violence or sexual content.

To keep your children safe on the Internet, sit down and tell them about the content they may be exposed to. At the same time, invite them to come see you if they ever see something that makes them uncomfortable while surfing.

In addition, if your children are playing video games online, warn them of the many vulgarities they may hear. Unfortunately, voice chats are full of vulgarity and hate speech.

3. Virtual “friends”

Just like in real life, the safety of your children on the Internet requires anonymity. Just as you would not want them to give their personal information to a stranger on the street, you do not want them to do it on the web to malicious people.

Among the guidelines to remind them:

• do not share information about their location;
• choose nicknames that do not give clues to who they are;
• do not upload pictures facilitating tracking them down;
• NEVER meet strangers.

4. Their browsing habits

The most effective way to keep your children safe online is to stay informed about their activities. Install the computer at a point in the house and take a look at their use of the computer and/or tablet from time to time.

The goal is not to fault them and quibble them, but to establish a dialogue about their habits and the topics mentioned above. The worst that could happen is that they “hide” when navigating.

You can also install parental control software that limits the chances of your children falling on sensitive content.

The most important thing to ensure the safety of your children on the Internet is not to make the Internet a taboo, but rather to integrate it into your family life in the same way as sports, school or family activities.

This way, you will be involved enough to prevent the problematic situations that are waiting for your children on the web!