Parents are often very concerned about how to protect their children from the perils of the Internet while still enjoying it’s benefits.
4 tips on how to protect your children online
1. Don’t let your kids have a computer connected to the Internet in their bedroom.
That’s just asking for trouble. You wouldn’t let a stranger into your child’s bedroom would you? Then why let them in via the Internet? Put the computer in a public, well-travelled area of the home with the screen facing out into the room. “What about my child’s privacy? What about trust?” some parents will ask. Forty years from now, after a long struggle with a life-destroying pornography addiction; your child will wish you had been less concerned about privacy and more concerned about their safety and well-being.
ALWAYS try to have an adult present when children – including (especially!) teens – are on the Internet. Kids and even teenagers are not aware of the potential dangers of idle curiosity. Five minutes of ‘curiosity’ at the wrong web site could destroy a life.
2. Educate your children about the dangers on the Internet.
The naive child is easier prey, and an educated child will better understand the steps you take to protect them. Tell them why you are setting up safeguards for them. Explain why they should not reveal personal information about themselves online. Remember that you will not always be with your children when they use the internet. They need to be aware of the dangers, so that whether at home, at school, or visiting a friend’s house, they will still exercise caution. Review your children’s e-mail and surfing activities.
[12 online safety tips every child needs to know]
You might feel self-conscious monitoring your children’s email. They may also protest. However, you’ll be very glad that you had the wisdom to love your child enough to protect them in that way.
3. Let them know your values and Biblical principles (instill it in them from a young age)
In these days when the Internet can be accessed on mobile phones and even MP3 players; it is impossible for you to supervise your child at all times. Because of this, you as a Christian parent have a grave responsibility to prepare your child for these future temptations by teaching them Biblical principles, and explaining the dangers the world presents.
4. Protect your kids and Monitor their online activities using QUSTODIO
The easiest way to supervise your kids online is with Qustodio. It makes digital parenting extremely easier. I personally use Qustodio and I recommend it. With the online dashboard and Parents’ app I can see how my children use devices, apps and the web. It allows me set healthy limits to manage their online experience without drama. It also has a filtering technology which is automatically enabled to protect them from harmful content.
With Qustodio you’ll have more information to help protect your kids against the growing number of serious online issues such as viewing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, cyber predators and screen addiction.
[Could online monitoring apps be bad for parents?]
When they have their own house, buy their own computer, and pay for their own Internet access, then they can have their ‘privacy’. Until then, God holds you accountable for their actions and their protection. As a deterrent, make your child aware that you, or a computer literate friend or relative, will occasionally perform ‘spot checks’ on their email or browsing.
Some of these suggestions may sound drastic in relation to the permissiveness and apathy of today’s world, but they are by no means as drastic as one might at first think. A wise parent will limit their children’s Internet activities even more. Your child’s life, physical, mental and spiritual well-being are at stake. If you love your child they are important enough to warrant drastic measures. Loving parents will take whatever steps are necessary to protect their children from inappropriate or naive activities on the Internet.
[Tweet “Their tomorrow is worth today’s inconvenience.”]
