Lately, I’ve had to research advice on protecting your child online.
Twice within one month, my teenage boys commented on how easy it was to find porn online. From my understanding, they weren’t even looking for it.
They came to me separately and told me what they had seen.
I thought I had done a good job protecting my children online. Guess not.
Last week on the news, a twelve-year-old girl ran away to meet a man she had met on the internet.
These incidents have raised new concerns about internet safety and how I can better set boundaries online.
I want to share what I’ve learned with you!
Question everything your child does online.
I thought I had talked enough about the dangers of porn and being safe online.
But looking back, I can see that I did not do enough.
I should have made this a regular discussion, talked consistently about what they were seeing, and made that difficult conversation a daily or weekly conversation.
I’m glad they came to me before this became an addiction, but I should have gone to them!
Questions need to be asked regularly. Be involved in what your children are seeing and connecting with!
Follow through if something seems off! Don’t stop when it becomes uncomfortable!
When protecting your child online, only allow online viewing in open rooms. No secrecy!
This was tricky for me!
As a homeschool mom, I often use computers for school. Although I do not allow internet access in bedrooms or closed rooms, I let my guard down for schooling activities.
There will be no more of that!
All computer use will be at the kitchen table. They can use headphones if needed, but they will no longer be allowed to use computers in a private area!
Keep all devices in a public area. Make this a standard rule that you follow strictly in your house.
Limit or discontinue all social media.
Seriously, folks! Do they need social media? I think not. But if you allow it, make sure it is limited and supervised.
Too many of our children are tricked into situations they are not mature enough to handle. And the heartache that comes with that is so painful!
Online bullying, inappropriate language and material, and vulnerability to predators are just the beginning of online trouble.
Online addiction is real, and steps should be taken to avoid that pitfall!
Carefully teach your children that happiness and fulfillment come from positive in-person relationships!
Sponsor game nights and field trips to place your children in positive in-person activities that foster good relationships!
Social skills are what’s needed most in life. Instead of buying a new device, spend that money on going to a museum, fishing, or board games.
Here are some additional healthy activities.
https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/free-activities-for-families/
Give them positive memories of engaging in healthy social activities.
Teach them basic internet safety guidelines.
These guidelines include not sharing intimate photos, passwords, addresses, or email addresses with anyone online.
For a more comprehensive guide, please consider visiting the DHS website here.
The Concerned Parent’s Toolbox – Tools and Tricks to Protect Your Kids | backgroundchecks.org
If your child has been involved in an unsafe online situation or you are worried that they may be, resources are available here to help them.
https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect/take-action
Be active in helping them understand what is good and real!
One of my girls has been obsessing over skincare products this last year. She has quite a collection of products that she saw online.
Last year, I fought breast cancer, and I let some things go. But this year, I need to fix this!
Her natural curiosity and the girl in her have gotten a little out of balance. I’m not against skincare, but this isn’t real or healthy.
It’s time for me to teach her that real life isn’t about what a YouTuber thinks about skincare. It’s about living in a healthy, positive way!
Life is about embracing the “real world.” It involves going for a walk, playing with the puppy, reading, and connecting with others.
I worry about a generation that has not fully grown up with “real.” It’s time to put it back into perspective!
