7 Ways to Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The internet is bustling with activities kids want to explore. But just as you wouldn’t send your child outdoors without some guidance, the same applies to their time online. How can you actively protect your kids online without hovering over their shoulder every second?

This guide offers practical steps to help you build a secure digital environment for your family. We discuss effective communication, education, and tools that help ensure your children stay safe online.

Why Is It Important to Protect Your Kids Online?

The internet can be a mixed bag for youngsters, offering both benefits and pitfalls. From cyberbullying to running into inappropriate content, the threats are numerous. Studies show that 65% of children aged 8 to 14 have experienced cyberbullying.

Let’s not forget the chance of them bumping into online predators or getting entangled in scams. While 17% have received an online message with images or words that upset them, only 7% of parents knew about this. These unsettling experiences can leave lasting emotional scars on their well-being.

Failing to watch over your child’s online activities can also lead to another form of harm: compromised digital footprints. Such missteps can carry long-term consequences, possibly even legal repercussions for both the child and the parents. On top of that, when privacy gets compromised, it paves the way for identity theft.

Building a foundation of digital literacy for your child is a parental duty. This means maintaining open lines of communication about what they do online, setting up parental controls for added security, and demonstrating how to use the internet responsibly. By taking these steps, you can help your child navigate their online world with greater assurance, reducing the risk of running into harmful content or facing other online perils.

How to Help Protect Your Kids Online

Let’s discuss effective methods, from open dialogue to tech solutions, for enhancing your family’s online safety.

1. Communication

One of the most straightforward ways to help keep children safe online is simply by talking to them. Start by asking who they chat with on the internet. Are they friends from school or complete strangers? Knowing who’s on the other side of the screen can help you gauge potential risks.

Keep the dialogue flowing about what they’re up to online. Whether it’s social networking, gaming, or browsing, staying in the loop makes it easier to step in if needed.

Encourage your kids to speak up. Let them know it’s okay to share with you online interactions that made them uncomfortable. Transparency can alert you to harmful content or sketchy interactions before they escalate.

2. Education

The internet can be a dangerous place if your kids go in without knowledge beforehand. Start by letting your kids know the hazards they might stumble upon online. Discuss topics like cyberbullying, misinformation, and scams. The idea is to build their awareness of what’s out there.

Next, equip them with skills to spot and sidestep these. Show them how to recognize red flags like suspicious messages or links. This helps them know when to step back and tell you what’s happening, increasing their odds of avoiding harmful content or interactions.

Another great teaching point centers on vetting online information. Show your kids how to double-check facts and sort real news from fake.

Finally, talk to them about the risks of sharing personal information. Explain why it’s a bad idea to post phone numbers, home addresses, or any other sensitive details. This can prevent unintended consequences such as identity theft.

3. Parental Control Software

One way to step up safety measures is by using parental control software. This software lets you keep tabs on what your kids see and do online. You can filter out inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and even track your child’s digital footprints. Parental controls help give you peace of mind, knowing that you have an extra layer of protection.

IdentityIQ offers Bitdefender® Total Security with Parental Control to help you protect your kids online.

4. Stay Informed

Knowledge is your best tool for keeping your kids secure online. Staying in the loop about new internet trends can arm you with the info you need. Popular apps, social media platforms, and online games might seem harmless, but they can expose kids to risks. Learn about these platforms and what they involve, especially those your child frequently uses.

Websites and digital forums often discuss new threats or vulnerabilities. Take time to read up on these issues to help boost your family’s online safety. Tools like Google Alerts can help you keep track of specific topics, such as new risks in children’s online games or updates in social networking safety features.

5. Family Identity Theft Protection Software

Identity theft is a growing concern. Thieves can steal names, Social Security numbers, and even credit card details, causing serious consequences. This isn’t just an issue for adults; kids can be targets, too.

IdentityIQ family identity theft protection services help provide an extra layer of security. The service monitors various databases and alerts you if it detects possible suspicious activity, allowing you to take quick action. Investing in such protection means you’re proactive about keeping your family’s data safe.

What’s included?

Credit monitoring. Keep an eye on credit reports for possible suspicious activity.

Identity theft insurance underwritten by AIG. If identity theft happens, this coverage helps your family get back on track financially.

Dark web and internet monitoring. Scan the dark web and internet for instances where personal information, including children’s information, may be compromised.

6. Establish Boundaries

Only 52% of parents monitor their kids’ internet use. Setting clear rules for internet use helps kids understand what’s okay and what’s not. For instance, you can designate specific hours, helping them manage their time online better. Usage guidelines, like no mobile devices during dinner or study time, can also contribute to more focused and meaningful offline interactions.

Encouraging a balanced life, where online and offline worlds coexist, can be beneficial for your children’s overall well-being. Get them involved in outdoor games, reading, or family activities that don’t involve screens.

If the rules aren’t followed, consider creating agreed-upon consequences. Reducing screen time or temporarily removing device privileges can emphasize the importance of following ground rules.

7. Don’t Overshare

Set clear guidelines about what’s okay to post online and what’s not. This should include a no-go list, including physical addresses, passwords, and school names.

Oversharing content online can expose your family to all sorts of dangers, from privacy breaches to the more severe issue of identity theft. When kids post too much, it can linger on the internet for years. Make sure your children grasp the long-term risks tied to revealing too much. It’s all part of keeping your children safe online and protecting their digital presence.

Common Ways Kids’ Information Gets Exposed Online

Next, let’s dig into how kids might accidentally expose their information online.

Online Gaming

Online games aren’t always just for fun; they can also be places where privacy takes a hit. Kids might chat with strangers, not knowing who is on the other side. They could give out names, ages, or even where they live. Sometimes, scams target young players.

For example, “free coin” tricks can end up stealing account info. Cyberbullying can also be a real concern in these virtual playgrounds. Watch out for warning signs and have a conversation with your kids about staying cautious.

Social Media

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 51% of teens use social media daily, and 75% have an active profile. While it might seem like a great way for kids to connect with friends, social media comes with its own set of problems.

Not everyone knows how to set up their privacy settings right. A small mistake can expose posts or personal info to a broader audience than intended. Even a seemingly harmless selfie can provide clues about a child’s location. Always double-check privacy settings and remind your kids about the downsides of oversharing online.

Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi seems convenient, but it can be a playground for people with bad intentions. When kids use these networks, their data could be easily intercepted. Anything from usernames to passwords could be up for grabs.

To help avoid this, tell your kids to use virtual private networks (VPNs) when possible. And make it a rule: no entering passwords or making purchases when connected to public Wi-Fi.

The Bottom Line: Help Protect Your Kids Online with IdentityIQ

From talking openly with your kids about online risks to setting up parental control software, you now have the information you need to help be better at protecting your kids online. Take note that awareness is a huge part of making sure you and your kids avoid trouble on the internet. It’s not just about what you know; it’s also about acting on that knowledge.

IdentityIQ can help you take that action. IdentityIQ family identity theft protection services monitor and secure your family’s personal information around the clock. When it comes to creating a safer online space, IdentityIQ is in your corner, helping to keep watch when you can’t.