Parental Tips

In today’s digital age, kids are growing up with unprecedented access to the online world. While the internet offers tremendous opportunities for learning, communication, and personal growth, it also exposes young people to potential risks – like online sexual exploitation and abuse. 

WHY MONITORING MATTERS

Monitoring kids’ online activities is vital: You can’t protect kids from what you don’t know is happening.

1. Protecting against online predators: The internet provides anonymity that can embolden predators to target vulnerable children. Monitoring internet and device usage enables parents to identify suspicious activities, inappropriate interactions, or signs of grooming, empowering them to intervene promptly.
2. Cyberbullying prevention: Cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue, causing emotional distress and even leading to tragic consequences. Parents who monitor their child’s online activities can detect warning signs of cyberbullying, so they can offer support to their children and take necessary actions to prevent further harm.
3. Limiting exposure to explicit content: It’s far too easy for kids to stumble upon explicit or age-inappropriate content while browsing the internet. Even sites, games and apps specifically marketed to parents as “kid friendly” have been found to harbor dangerous and explicit content. Monitoring helps parents set boundaries and ensure their children’s exposure to appropriate online content.
4. Promoting responsible online behavior: By monitoring, parents can guide their children on how to use the internet responsibly, teaching them about their digital footprint, how to protect their privacy, and ways to practice ethical behavior online. 

MONITORING TIPS AND STRATEGIES BY AGE

For Young Children (Ages 5-10):

1. Keep devices in shared spaces: Require children to use the internet and social media in common areas, such as the living room, where parents can easily keep an eye on their activities. To that end, set family ground rules that prohibit device usage in bedrooms and bathrooms, which allow opportunities to engage in risky behaviors.
2. Establish clear rules and communication: Set clear expectations about appropriate online behavior, time limits, and the types of websites or apps they can access. Maintain open lines of communication, so your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or encounters they may have had.
3. Parental controls and filtering: Make use of the parental control settings available on devices, web browsers, games and apps to restrict access to inappropriate content. Install kid-friendly search engines and age-appropriate apps that offer a safer online experience.

For Preteens and Early Teens (Ages 11-14):

1. Regular conversations about online safety: Have regular conversations about online safety, privacy, and potential risks. Help kids understand the importance of protecting personal information and reporting any suspicious or uncomfortable encounters. Having these conversations casually and often will help build trust that makes it more likely for kids to ask for help when they need it.
2. Set boundaries and guidelines: Define clear guidelines for social media and device usage, including the platforms they can join and appropriate behavior online. Encourage them to have private accounts and teach them how to manage their privacy settings. Consider signing a family device usage contract BEFORE allowing kids to go online to cement these ground rules and expectations.
3. Mutual trust and collaboration: Build trust by involving your child in setting guidelines and discussing the reasons behind monitoring. Emphasize that your intention is to protect them, rather than intrude upon their privacy.

For Older Teens (Ages 15+):

1. Encourage responsible autonomy: As teenagers seek more independence, it’s essential to balance monitoring with fostering their privacy and autonomy. Encourage open conversations about online safety, while allowing them to make responsible choices and learn from their experiences.
2. Promote digital literacy: Teach older teens about the potential lifelong impact of the things they post online, and the potential consequences of sharing sensitive information or engaging in risky behavior.
3. Monitor respectfully: Respect your teenager’s need for privacy while still doing your part to keep them safe online. Consider discussing your plan for monitoring their devices openly, allowing them to provide input and understand the reasons behind your concerns. 

For kids of all ages, consider using a monitoring app or service that aligns with your family’s values and needs. These tools provide time- and life-saving insights into your child’s online activities, including website visits, social media interactions, and potential red flags. 

That said, don’t neglect open dialogue and communication once the monitoring app is in place. It is crucial to balance monitoring with open communication and trust-building.

Monitoring children’s internet and social media usage is a vital component of keeping them safe online. By establishing clear guidelines, maintaining open communication, and utilizing monitoring tools appropriately, you can strike a balance between ensuring kid’s safety and respecting their privacy. 

Privacy is important, especially for older teens, but it doesn’t supersede parents’ responsibility to keep them safe online. 

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. That’s why we partnered with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation to release a free E-Book, C.R.A.M.: A Parent’s Study Guide to Managing Kids & Technology.

With C.R.A.M., you’ll learn practical tips to keep your kids safe online, how to talk to kids about predators by age group, how to recognize the signs of grooming, what to do if a predator contacts your child, and you’ll get device settings and safety tips for popular online games. Download your free copy today!