5 tips to create a safe online environment for your child
As we ourselves are almost online day and night, our children naturally cannot be left behind. More and more children have a mobile phone, and there's a good chance your toddler can handle the iPad even better than you can. But how do you, as a parent, keep track of what your child is doing online and ensure a safe digital world? Here are 5 tips for you.
1. Talk to your child
The first tip is also the most important: talk to your child about their internet use. What does your child want to do online? Which sites are visited? With whom do they have online contact? Explain what is and isn't allowed and make clear agreements about internet use. For example, agree that internet use is only allowed in the living room. Place a computer or laptop in sight. This way, you can better monitor than if the computer is, for instance, in the bedroom or attic. Also, indicate what is and isn't allowed online: do not give anyone personal information, do not click on strange links, and only talk to friends you know in real life.
2. Limit access
While your child is quietly sitting behind a tablet, you can finally tidy up the toys, mop the house, and start cooking. Convenient, of course, but you still want to know what your child is doing online. Fortunately, this is possible. Are you giving your phone to your toddler? Lock the home button on your phone so the little one only has access to the game app. Does your child already have their own phone or tablet? Then install the child-friendly browser Mybee (http://www.mybee.nl/). This browser from KPN only displays safe sites.
3. Monitor your child's online behavior
There are various apps that help you monitor your son or daughter's online behavior. This way, you can track which sites are visited, how long a visit lasts, and with whom the kids have online contact. Want to know more?Hereyou can find more information. Of course, you can also occasionally check the browsing history on the computer. Here you can see which websites have been visited in the recent period.
4. Be cautious with social media
Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat: more and more children have an account on one of the many online networks. A fun way to stay in touch with friends, but be careful with it. Discuss with your child the risks of social media: not everyone is who they say they are, be cautious with photos (once online, it's hard to remove), and don't share personal information lightly. Try to limit time on social media: don't let it become a main activity. Set a good example in this. If you, as a parent, can't put your phone down during dinner and quickly check your timeline in front of the TV in the evening, there's a good chance your children will follow your example.
5. Stay up-to-date
We live in a digital world, and our children are growing up in this world. Often, they have even more knowledge about the latest apps and online tools than we do, but try to stay informed. Keep your knowledge up-to-date so you can talk about it with your child. Through the websitehttp://mijnkindonline.nl/you can keep a good eye on the latest online developments. Do you still have questions about your child's online behavior? Then you can ask them here to anexpert.