Illustration of a child sitting cross-legged looking at social media on a phone.

Ways to Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The internet offers a vast and exciting world for kids, but navigating it safely requires the same care you'd take teaching them to cross a busy street. Here at Grom Social, we understand your concerns about internet safety for kids and cyber safety. We're here to help you guide them through this ever-evolving digital landscape.

Here's your roadmap to keeping your child safe online.

Open Communication

Foster open dialogue about your child's online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences and ask questions without fear.

General questions to open the conversation:

"What cool things have you seen online lately?"
"What are some of your favorite websites or apps to use?"
"What are some of the things you like to share online?"

Set Boundaries

Establish screen time limits and monitor the websites, apps, and social media platforms they use. Parental controls can be a valuable tool for setting boundaries and promoting online safety tips.

Empower with Education

Teach them essential concepts in cyber safety for kids like responsible information sharing and how to identify and avoid potential dangers. Use clear, age-appropriate language and examples to make these concepts understandable.

Examples:

"What are some of the things you like to share online?"
"Is there anything you've seen online that you don't understand or that worries you?"
"What are some things you're unsure about when it comes to being safe online?"
"Do you have any questions about privacy settings or how to block someone online?"
"Have you ever gotten into a disagreement with someone online? How did you handle it?"

Stay Involved

Be a part of their digital life. Check their profiles occasionally, review their friends' lists, and keep yourself updated on popular trends and apps. Consider exploring these platforms together and sparking discussions about the content encountered.

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Establish Rules

Work together to create clear online safety for children guidelines and consequences for breaking them. For example, set a rule that your child always needs permission before downloading apps or making online purchases.

Ways to open the conversation:

"The internet is a fantastic place, but just like in a store, there can be things that aren't safe or appropriate for everyone. Some apps might not be designed for your age group or could have hidden costs. That's why I want to see what you're interested in downloading first. We can check it out together and make sure it's a good fit for you!"
"Downloading apps can sometimes change settings on your device or even add unwanted ads. By checking them out together, we can make sure it's something you really want and that it's safe to use."
"Money online can be tricky! Sometimes things cost more than they look, and it's important to understand what you're paying for before hitting that buy button. We can talk about your allowance or chores and see if this purchase fits your budget together."
"There are lots of cool things online, but sometimes things might look different from what you expect. Talking about it first helps us avoid any surprises and makes sure you're happy with what you get."

General Points

Focus on collaboration: Frame it as a team effort to make safe choices online. "We're a team, and we want to make sure you have a fun and safe experience online. Talking about things together helps us achieve that!"

Explain consequences: Briefly explain the potential consequences of not following the rules. "If you download something without asking, it might have unwanted features or cost money we didn't plan for. Let's talk about it first to avoid any problems."

Offer alternatives: Suggest alternative ways for them to get what they want. "If you see an app you like, we can find reviews or similar apps to see what others recommend. That way, you can make an informed choice!"

Be open to discussion: Encourage an open dialogue. "Of course, we can always chat about why you might want a particular app or purchase. Maybe we can find a way to make it happen safely!"

Remember, the goal is to create a safe space where your child feels comfortable asking questions and understanding the reasoning behind the rules.

Lead by Example

Demonstrate responsible online behavior yourself. Avoid excessive screen time, be mindful of the information you share publicly, and treat others with kindness and respect online.

Stay Informed

The online world is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and potential threats to take proactive measures and keep your child safe. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings and use them effectively to control what information is shared online.

Conclusion

Keeping your child safe online is a continuous effort, but with open communication, education, and involvement, you can empower them to explore the digital world with confidence.

Ready to provide a safe and engaging online space for your child? Explore Grom Social, the COPPA-compliant platform designed specifically for kids under 16!

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Ways to Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online

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