November is National Child Safety and Protection Month. Keeping our children safe on the Internet is more important than ever. Merdes Law Office reminds everyone that we must work together to keep our children safe.
The holiday season is here. Kids will be out of school. They will have more time to use cell phones, tablets, personal computers, and games. Technology is a big part of our lives. Our children must be kept safe from technology threats. Here are good tips to help protect
A Critical Internet Note for Parents
Respecting your child’s privacy is not as important as your child’s safety. Children have no right to privacy on the Internet. All parents, teachers, and caregivers must help. We must know what our kids are doing online. We must know who is sharing information with them. If your child is sharing information with a stranger, take action.
Below are the first steps we should take to protect our children online:
- Know all social media accounts your child uses;
- Know the passwords and regularly check all accounts;
- Identify and review the apps and websites your child uses;
- Set limits for the times; the locations; and the devices your child may use;
- Use parental controls on Internet browsers (and programs) to block content unsuitable for children;
- Set the GPS to “OFF” for social media and photos on your child’s phone, tablet, and personal computers.
More Information on Internet Safety for Kids
Internet technology is always changing. Many people want more help keeping kids safer while navigating the cyber world. We suggest the following sources for information on children and Internet safety.
- Print this guide: “Talking to Children About Digital Safety”
- Check Storypark and Savvy Cyber Kids. Two sites dedicated only to Internet safety for children.
- The following sites also contain Internet safety information:
- D.A.R.E.; Child Rescue Network; and the Department of Justice.
Photo Source: Elks USA Kids Zone – accessed Monday, November 12, 2018
Source: “Talking to Children About Digital Safety” Darkness to Light
Research Contributor: Lori
