In today’s digital age, it’s essential to equip children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely. While the internet offers countless opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, it also presents potential risks.
South Africa (04 December 2024) – As much as many parents would love to keep their children phoneless and offline for as long as they possibly can, the truth is we’re living in a time where it’s almost crucial that they have some kind of digital device to keep in touch when you’re not around them or to do research for a school assignment.
As your child grows, they are likely to spend more and more time online. There are so many positive things about being online, such as staying connected with friends and family, pursuing interests, and being part of communities. However, it is not always a safe and positive experience for children, UNICEF South Africa reports.
The organisation, which is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential, has shared five important ways you can keep your child safe in the virtual world.
1. Set some rules
According to UNICEF, it’s important to encourage an open dialogue between you and your child about who they communicate with, and how and who can see what they post online.
Explain the concept of a digital footprint (pictures, videos, comments, things they share with others) and encourage them to be mindful of their online actions.
Also, teach them to speak up if they have experienced anything upsetting, uncomfortable or scary by confiding in you or a trusted adult immediately.
2. Use technology to protect them
Keeping your little one’s device up to date with the latest software and privacy settings are on and configured is key! This helps minimise data collection so that people don’t see any information that you don’t want them to see.
Keep webcams covered when not in use. For younger children, tools such as parental controls like safe search can help keep online experiences positive.
Also, be cautious of free online resources, including educational ones. If your child is asked to provide a photo or their full name, be sure it is a trusted website.
3. Spend time with them online
Create opportunities for your child to have safe and positive online interactions with friends, family and you. Connecting with others is a great way for you to model kindness and empathy in online interactions.
Help your child recognise and avoid misinformation and disinformation, age-inappropriate content and content that can potentially cause anxiety or harm. Introduce them to trustworthy sources of information.
Children can be exposed to advertising that may promote unhealthy foods, gender stereotypes or age-inappropriate material. Help them to recognise online ads and use the opportunity to explore together what is wrong with some of the negative messaging you see.
4. Model healthy online habits
Children are like sponges, mimicking a lot of what the adults around them do, therefore practice what you preach by demonstrating responsible online behaviour and being mindful of what you share online about your child, including their photos and videos.
Kindness and empathy are important in the virtual world, too, so encourage your child to support friends and family by sending positive messages or emojis.
Stay attentive if your child appears distressed or is hiding their online activities. Assure them that any abuse or harassment they experience is not their fault, and they should feel comfortable discussing it rather than keeping it a secret.
If they have classes online, encourage them to be respectful of others and to be mindful of what can be seen on camera to maintain privacy.
5. Let them have fun and express themselves
Using the internet can be a fantastic way for your children to be imaginative, gain knowledge, voice their opinions, and advocate for causes they care about.
Inspire your child to use online resources that encourage physical activity, like exercise videos for kids and interactive video games that get them moving.
Remember to balance online activities with an active lifestyle and offline recreation for a healthy balance in all aspects of life.
By following these guidelines, you can empower your child to navigate the digital world with confidence and safety.
Sources: UNICEF South Africa
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