How to Teach Kids Safe Tech Habits
The current state of parenthood is full of a wide range of troubling topics to deal with. Not only do parents have to teach their kids how to handle peer pressure or do well in school, parents now have to teach kids safe tech habits because most kids as young as kindergarten are learning how to use computers. Sure you can do everything possible to try to have programs, anti-virus software and such installed on your home computers but there are still some additional things to teach your kids safety online.
Cybercrime
Whether it’s Trojan horses, malware or click bait, all kids need to understand that not everything on the internet is safe to click through. Talk to your kids about cybercrime that includes malware but also bad people online. With the onset of predators luring children in through colorful chat rooms and other fun game play online, parents need to have a serious chat with their kids about what to say or not say online. Educate your kids to know that giving out address, names and ages online is not acceptable. Also be certain that your kids know they can come to you whenever someone strange tries to reach out to them. Make sure your kids are confident that they will not be in trouble and that you are a safe person to come talk to whenever some weird person online may be attempting to have them give out personal info.
The Internet is Forever
Kids need to understand that whatever they put out there on the internet is forever. There are cached versions of websites available all over the internet. Strangers can look up this information and colleges can too. Most colleges are now looking at potential students social media accounts to get a feel for their character so kids need to be weary of what they put out there online. Teach your kids that you still have to be kind to others, that there are still common sense rules that apply for being a kind human being online. Kids need to comprehend that whatever is put out there on the internet will be there for someone to find anytime even after they click delete.
Be The Example
As your kids grow to be teenagers, they will have more access to what you put online. Be certain to always set the example with proper etiquette online and not posting too many personal details. Kids will often do what they see versus doing what they are told. As the parents to these kids, it is your sole duty to set the bar in standards of proper safety tech habits.
About the Author: Brandy Ellen is a Positive Lifestyle Blogger born and raised in New Hampshire, USA. Brandy is a successful work from home mom of three who enjoys inspiring others to live life fully.
Learn more about Brandy at https://brandyellen.com/.
