We are living in a time when almost everybody has a smartphone, tablet, smart TV and laptop, and children have access to more information than any generation that came before them. With the internet and technology growing and advancing at a rate that is quicker than most people, let alone parents, can follow, and it has become more vital than ever that children are protected when they use the web.
With that in mind, here are some helpful tips that parents can use to keep their children safe when using the internet on their gadgets, whether at home, at school, or out in the world:
Password Protect Your Gadgets and Set Restrictions
The majority of gadgets, including iPads, iPhones and various other brands of smartphones and tablets have parental control features that can prevent certain features and websites from being accessed via your gadgets. However, the best way to protect your children in this regard is to password protect your gadgets and only allow your children to use them when you are around and able to monitor what they are using your gadgets for. It’s only when you start to purchase these good for your children that you need to consider software and protection options if you regulate their usage.
There are inevitably going to be times when your children get their own phone and tablet, and when this happens, you can set restrictions on them so that certain apps and websites cannot be reached without entering a passcode. If your kids are simply playing games and texting their friends, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but it pays to be safe and put these restrictions into play.
Educate Your Children About the Dangers
Instead of simply saying ‘no’ to children, which, as parents know, can sometimes lead to rebellious behaviour that could make the situation worse, it pays for parents to take the time to educate their children about the dangers of the web, so that they can make informed decisions and see the signs before it results in any serious issues.
It includes social media usage and what dangers to look out for, to safe usage of online gaming platforms. It pays to teach children the difference between reputable and responsible online gaming sites such as Unibet and those that are not regulated and allow anybody to use them, which could lead them down a bad path.
Download Software That Blocks Dangerous Websites
Fortunately for parents, there are plenty of software options available for online security and protecting children from the perils of the online world such as, mobile security software. These come in many forms, from blocking content and monitoring and reporting internet usage. These tools are a godsend for parents who want to give their children the right to access the internet but want to ensure that they don’t come across content that is too extreme for children or comes across the kind of people who prey on vulnerable people online. There are many types of online security software available, and each one of those tools is free.
Always remember that there is no substitute for parental supervision, safe practices and creating a fun, trusting and educational environment in the home, so that your children can grow up in a technological world understanding the need to be safe and secure online.