How to Monitor Your Children Online: 8 Strategies for Protecting Kids in the Digital World

According to SAEDNEWS, children under 5 worldwide learn to use touchscreens before they can walk or talk, becoming familiar with digital usage. Children are drawn to the digital world by seeing mobile phones and other electronic devices used by others. But as parents, how well do you understand the benefits and drawbacks of children's internet use? In a world where technology dominates parents' lives, it’s impossible to completely isolate children from these tools. While staying updated with current knowledge is essential for all children and teenagers, where should the boundaries of sharing digital information be drawn? Can children’s access to the internet be delayed? Here we discuss practical strategies for protecting children online.

How to Monitor Your Children Online: Teaching Online Values to Kids

Many modern parents are "immigrants to the world of technology," adapting to new communication methods but not entirely comfortable with them. However, experts believe that core values parents strive to teach in social interactions remain the same: attention, respect, and kindness.

Accompany your children in their interactions online. For example, if your daughter is texting, be one of the people she texts. By participating, you can better understand whom your child is interacting with and the topics of their conversations. This way, you can identify cyberbullying or unwanted messages.

If a problem arises, avoid overreacting. For instance, if your child sends a rumor email or an inappropriate photo, they should know they can come to you for help without fear of excessive reaction.

Three Digital Musts for Parents

1. Think Before You Post: Remember, anything embarrassing or harmful you post can spread widely. Teach children to avoid typing or sharing anything they wouldn't say in person.

2. Face Your Fears: Excessive worry about texting and messaging can be dangerous. Fear interferes with the positive relationship needed to protect your children. Parents' severe reactions can discourage children from sharing their issues.

3. Be There for Your Child: If your daughter receives an inappropriate message, ask her to share it with you so you can help resolve the issue. Always be there when your child needs to talk about a problem.

The Dangers of the Internet for Children

The digital world exposes children to various content, often uncontrolled. Without parental supervision and restrictions, children face numerous risks:

• Exposure to inappropriate content

• Encountering sexual content and early puberty

• Excessive dependence on the internet

• Facing online threats

• Hacking of electronic devices

• Wasting time

• Sedentary lifestyle, leading to obesity and spine issues

• Experiencing negative emotions and anxiety

• Declining academic performance

• Vision problems like dry eyes

• Failing to develop healthy social interactions

• Compromised personal information

• Distorted reality and excessive daydreaming

• Imitating harmful behaviors of online influencers

• Experiencing aggression and anger

• Suffering from sexual, emotional, or financial exploitation

• Developing dissatisfaction with oneself and life conditions

8 Strategies for Protecting Children Online

The International Child Justice Center recommends the following eight standards to safeguard children on the internet:

1. Be a Good Role Model: Parents should limit their own use of the internet, setting a good example for their children. Designate tech-free zones and times in your home. This not only demonstrates responsible use but also creates more opportunities for family interaction.

2. Enhance Device Security: Install password management apps on all devices; use up-to-date software and operating systems; install antivirus software; and disable cameras and microphones when not in use to prevent hacking.

3. Set Boundaries: Discuss where your children can go online, whom they can interact with, and what they can do. Review appropriate behavior (online and offline) and what’s suitable to share. For example:

   • Teach children to be kind both online and offline.

   • Avoid clicking on unknown attachments or deals that seem too good to be true.

   • Don’t share personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or school names online.

   • Never send inappropriate photos.

   • Always ask parents' permission before meeting someone met online.

4. Ensure Children Know Important Information: Children should know their full name, phone number, home address, and how to use a phone. Place your contact information where children can see it: office number, mobile, etc. Parents should also know their child’s whereabouts, using a location-tracking app.

5. Monitor Online Activities: Be aware of the platforms, profiles, and games your children are involved in. Follow them on Instagram and other platforms to see their posts. Experts advise against reviewing their text messages unless there's a reason for concern.

6. Enable Privacy Settings: Review and activate the privacy settings on social media, websites, games, and apps your children use to ensure maximum privacy. Search for "parental controls and privacy settings" for each platform. Disable location settings and set up separate accounts for age-appropriate content.

7. Communicate Regularly: Have ongoing, informal conversations to make it easier for children to talk to you about problems. Let them know they can also reach out to a school counselor or trusted teacher, or contact official child support centers anonymously for help and advice.

8. Seek Help: If you're unfamiliar with social media settings, apps, or games, seek assistance. Parents can visit Google Families for privacy tips or download the Family Link app to monitor their child’s Google account. Facebook and Instagram offer privacy protection resources for teens. If setting parental controls on social media and apps is too difficult, find a trusted tech-savvy individual to help.