It is important to keep your children safe online for many reasons. Some of these include but are not limited to: they could be approached by an online predator, encounter inappropriate content, be bullied, or cyber-bully someone else. Not only should you make sure your child isn’t a victim of cybercrime, but it is equally as important to make sure your child isn’t committing crime either. Here are some ways you can help protect your children from cybercrime and encourage them to take preventative measures as well:
1. Know what your child does online
What social networking sites do they use? Where do they go on the internet? Do they spend most of their time on one site? Does that site have age restrictions? How much screen time are they allowed? Are you monitoring what your child is doing at all times, or are you just checking in occasionally? One of the most popular sites that could hook your child is Netflix. Netflix basically provides people with quick access to the best TV shows, movies, documentaries through online streaming. Click here to learn more about Netflix Statistics
Indeed, knowing where your children are online can help prevent cybercrime. It also helps to know the answers to these questions so that when questioned by law enforcement officials, you know what to tell them.
2. Let your child know that the internet isn’t a safe place for kids
The internet can be used for many good things, but it also comes with its negative aspects. Remind your children that it’s important not to go off on their own because predators will look for unaccompanied children. The internet may seem like an interactive world where everyone knows everyone else, but it is important to remember that there are still strangers lurking in the shadows.
3. Keep an open line of communication with your children
Make sure your child knows that they can talk to you about anything (and I mean ANYTHING). You don’t want them to feel like reporting cybercrime would only make things worse, or that it would be more embarrassing for them than it is worth. Once again, keeping an open line of communication between yourself and your child is important because if they are approached by someone online, you’ll know what happened before law enforcement does.
4. Give your children alternative ways of dealing with cybercrime
Laws vary per state, but usually, there are some options for reporting cybercrimes. Make sure to explain these laws to your children early on so they are familiar with what is expected of them. If your child is being cyberbullied, for example, they can either talk to you about it or report it to law enforcement officials. They could also keep the mean comments a secret, but that could cause more problems down the road.
5. Educate yourself on how to protect your children online
Being aware of the threats that exist on the internet is very important, and not just for protecting your own children. There are many resources available to parents and educators alike which allow them to learn more about online safety. It’s critical that we educate ourselves and our loved ones in order to prevent cybercrime from happening. Sometimes even security tools used in rapidly growing “internet countries” such as the Netherlands, won’t be always enough. Read more about this child-safe jurisdiction here: https://vpntesting.com/best-vpn/netherlands
The internet can be used for many good things, but it also comes with its negative aspects. Make sure your children are aware of the threats that exist on the internet. Being aware of these threats is very important, and not just for protecting your own children. Educate yourself and your loved ones in order to prevent cybercrime from happening. There are many resources available which allow you to learn more about online safety.