Your kids are probably spending more and more time online as you become increasingly mystified by the latest and greatest online ‘thing’. But what can we do if we don’t know what we’re dealing with?
Technology has both good and bad sides. The need for a few online safety protocols is a symptom of the bad. Fortunately, the right technology can be the solution to your problem.
Whether you’re protecting your device from online threats, protecting your kids from certain content, or simply protecting their eyes from staring at a screen for too long, here are some tips to consider.
Limit screen time
We’re all guilty of overindulging in our screens – including parents. If you’re trying to set boundaries around how much time your kids spend on screens, try picking a time where everyone is screen-free.
Whether you want to initiate a curfew or you want to have a weekly family dinner that’s free of connected devices, an app function like this can give everyone the push they need to put down their devices and reconnect in reality.
Get the right security protection
Security protection is a must for any home computer. TThis includes devices such as baby monitors, smart phones, tablets, computers and home security systems.
“It pays to have some form of gatekeeper between your internet connection and the sites your children visit so that everyone can be protected,” says Shashwat Khandelwal, Cybersecurity Expert at McAfee.
Protect your kids and your devices with the right tech and personal tools. Picture: Pexels
When it comes to protection from online attacks, it can also be good to go over protective passwords, plus what kinds of emails, links and downloads to avoid.
Teach cyber safety literacy
Find a proactive and ongoing approach to help your children become aware of what is and isn’t right online.
Most of us will teach our kids to identify various threats in the physical world, but don’t forget this can be just as important in the virtual world.
“Predators often reach out to minors through social networks, gaming platforms, or apps,” Shashwat says.
“They often pose as peers, use fake photos and create fake profiles to chat. They build trust with children through devious tactics, such as grooming and mirroring.
“[Combat this by having] frequent and honest conversations with your child about the specific ways predators may try to befriend them online. Be a safe haven for them to talk to about their concerns.”
Perfect the physical set-up
Online safety is one thing, but physical safety when online is another!
Protecting your child’s eyes, back, neck, hands and any other physical functions that can become compromised due to excessive sitting at a computer is paramount.
Firstly, ensure your child’s desk is reasonably ergonomic. Have them do posture and strength exercises to help support the spine. Ensure they are sitting correctly at their desks, with head, shoulders, elbows, back and hands all positioned properly.
Also, encourage frequent breaks. While we may want our child to do their homework, they can’t be sitting in one spot for hours on end. They need to exercise and move. This is particularly important for our eyes. So, even when we’re sitting at a screen for hours, encourage looking away every so often so our eyes don’t become tired .