As every aspect of our life starts moving online, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our children are safe when using the Internet. Recent studies revealed that almost half of the children under the age of eight in America have their own tablet or smartphone, and more than 90% of teens use social media sites. But the scariest thing is that many parents are unaware of the potential risks associated with their children’s online activities. Some don’t know how using the best background check sites can save their lives, especially regarding whom they’re talking about on social media. From bullying to sexual exploitation, there are many dangers that can threaten the safety of our children. Let’s take a look at some of the best practices that can keep our children safe online.

Establish and Enforce Age Restrictions

We don’t mean to say that kids shouldn’t use the Internet. But age restrictions on certain websites and applications should be enforced to protect younger children from accessing inappropriate content or interacting with strangers. Parents should also set parental control software on all devices their children use, so they can block access to certain websites and monitor their online activities. Being aware of the age restrictions for different apps and websites is also important so that kids don’t mistakenly access inappropriate content.

Teach Your Children Online Safety Rules

The Internet can be a great tool to help young people learn, explore their interests, and stay connected with friends. But it’s equally important to teach them online safety rules and how to recognize potential risks. Teach them how to protect their personal information, such as an address, phone numbers, etc., and the importance of not sharing passwords with anyone else. Guide your children through creating strong passwords that are hard to guess, advise them on how to avoid phishing scams, and remind them that they should never meet someone they met online in person.

Know Your Parental Controls

As mentioned earlier, parental control software is a must-do for keeping your children safe online. Research and know what options are available in terms of blocking inappropriate content and monitoring online activities, so you can choose the best one that fits your needs. Also, familiarize yourself with all the settings and stay updated on any changes or updates in the parental control software. Not only that, but you should also discuss the rules with your children and explain to them why these parental controls are important.

Get Your Children More Active in the Real Life

Of course, the best way to keep your children safe online is by limiting their screen time. Encourage them to engage in more real-life activities such as sports, arts and crafts, or volunteering in their community. The more active they are away from the computer, the less vulnerable they become to potential risks on the Internet. As a matter of fact, if they don’t feel the need to be online all the time, they will be less likely to take risks and share their personal information with strangers.

The Internet can offer plenty of benefits when used properly. However, please note that there are certain risks associated with using it and our children need to be aware of those potential dangers. With some simple but effective measures, such as enforcing age restrictions, teaching them online safety rules, and providing additional activities away from the computer, we can keep our children safe online.…