Educate Children About Online Dangers: Parents should talk to their children about the risks of interacting with strangers online and the types of manipulation predators may use.
Open conversations about internet safety can help children recognize warning signs.
Implement Parental Controls and Monitoring Software: Devices are not rights, they are privilages. As the parent you should always have access to any of your child's devices. You can also utilize parental control tools to monitor your child’s online activity. These tools can help block inappropriate content and alert you to potential threats.
Establish Clear Internet Usage Rules:
Set specific guidelines about internet usage, including which sites are appropriate, the type of information they can share, and the time they spend online. Consistent rules can reduce risky behaviors.
Keep Devices in Common Areas:
Keeping computers, tablets, and smartphones in common areas of the house such as kitchens, offices, dining rooms, etc. Avoid having screens in private rooms, such as bedrooms. This can help parents easily monitor their child’s online activity and reduce the likelihood of secretive behavior.
Teach Children About Privacy Settings:
Ensure children understand how to use privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms. Limiting who can view their profile and contact them can help protect their privacy.
Explain not to share personal informaton with people online. Especially for younger kids, make sure they do not to friend people they don't know in person.
Encourage Open Communication:
This is most important. Make sure to communicate with your children. Your child needs to know they can talk to you about anything they experience online without fear of punishment. Open dialogue can help you catch problems early and take action.
Know Your Child’s Online Friends
Familiarize yourself with who your child is interacting with online. Encourage your child to only engage with people they know in real life and discuss the dangers of talking to strangers.
Regularly Check Devices for Unfamiliar Apps or Contacts: Periodically review your child’s devices for unknown apps, contacts, or messages. This can help identify any suspicious activity early on.
Where to Report: If you see something alarming or if your child comes to you with something alarming, have an open conversation with your child to gather more details. Document everything and report it. Swipe up to see where you can report it.
Our Kids Center
https://ourkidscenter.com/learn/
online-predators/
Bark.us
https://www.bark.us/blog/protect-
child-online-predators/
National Center for Health Research
https://www.center4research.org/
online-predators-know-can/
National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children
https://www.missingkids.org/theissu
s/onlineenticement