Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Published : February 2, 2016 11:49 PM IST
Most kids nowadays have access to gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and computers. While some parents might argue that it is the need of the hour and children need to be well-versed in technology and that there are more benefits of the internet than its risks, which is true to a certain extent, but children can fall prey to certain scams which can be a big threat to their life and the well-being of your family. Here's what you can do to keep your children safe online.
1. Explain cyber safety to them--It is always best to teach your kids about online safety. Tell them why it is important, and how scammers can access your personal details online and how they can harm you. Explain to them how certain ads can be deceptive and the outcomes of sharing their personal information like their telephone numbers and address with strangers. Warn them against phony social media links and bogus gift cards. Also, ask them not to download free torrents and other free material online, as it is highly likely that they might end up downloading viruses or malware on their computer. Also, tell them the importance of not sharing the wi-fi password with anyone and the risks associated with sharing it.
2. Set certain rules--Mutually decide a time when they can use the computer to browse the internet. Also, set a time limit and don't let them access the internet beyond that time. The internet not only affects their mental health but also takes a toll on their physical health. Studies have shown that even two hours a day on the internet can increase the risk of your child suffering from hypertension. Block certain sites with adult and abusive material. Protect your devices with passwords and input the password yourself and do not disclose it to them. Giving them access to the internet beyond a particular time can lead to internet addiction. Warn them against accessing pornography or adult content and tell them how paedophiles can harm them.
3. Distinguish between phony and trustworthy websites--Many fake sites have some advertisement asking you to sign up to win prizes or ask you to download some software to watch a video. Many sites also ask you for your credit card details, Facebook login, email ID, home address, etc. to access certain parts of the websites. Tell your kids why not to divulge these details. Such requests can lead to phishing of information and can also result in identity thefts. Trustworthy sites usually do not ask for such data or ask you to download any software. You can view all the information you want for free. Once you are sure of which sites are unsafe, block them.
4. Use an antivirus/anti-malware software or safe search tools--Install an antivirus software that offers complete protection from malware and viruses. These softwares also help in blocking sites that have offensive content. You can also use the settings on your browser to block individual websites. Block sites that are not trustworthy and sound phony. Safe search tools notify you that a particular site or a link is risky and then you can take a call on whether to visit the site or not. Tell your kids about it and ask them not to visit these sites. Let the kids browse the computer with an active parental control mode.
5. Keep a tab on what your children view on the computer--You might think it's an intrusion of their privacy or you are not trusting them enough but remember they live in your house and are answerable to you. Keep the computer in a central location from where you can easily watch what they are browsing online. Track their browsing history, see which sites they are viewing. It is possible that they might delete the entire browsing history or certain parts of it. Check the timeline of the history and ask them why they have removed the history or certain parts of it. You can also opt for instant email alerts in your antivirus package which will send you an email when your child tries to access objectionable material. Don't feel guilty about doing all this, remember, it's for their safety.
6. Monitor their online friends--Firstly, your kids shouldn't be active on social networking sites if they are under the age of 13. Check if they have a social presence. If they are above 13, monitor who their friends are. Add them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. See what they share on their timeline. Get a hang of what they do on Facebook and other social networking websites. Be aware of who their online friends are and see if they are meeting them in the real world. Also, keep a tab on the kind of games they play online. If they are into violent video games, explain to them the downside of playing these games. A few studies have linked playing violent video games to depression and violent behaviour.Here's how increased use of social media causes sleep deprivation in children.
7. Be their friend--Many times kids fall prey to cyberbullying and can't open up to anyone about it. Cyber bullying can take an enormous toll on their mental health, and they might feel useless or unwanted. Be more like a friend to them than their parent. Create a comfort zone so that they can share their thoughts with you without any inhibitions. Reassure them that you will be there and listen to them or be on their side come what may, and you will not oust them at any cost. You may like to know why you shouldn t be too strict with your kids about internet usage.
With a few inputs from Intel Security Cybermum India
