Keeping Your Children Safe Online
The Internet is an excellent resource for learning and entertainment, but it comes with risks. As parents, we must ensure our children know the dangers of navigating the digital world. The risks they might encounter range from cyberbullying to sextortion and even sex trafficking. These S.M.A.R.T. tips will equip you with vital information to keep your children safe online.
S.M.A.R.T. Approach to Online Safety
- SET-UP: Learn the Ins and Outs of Every Device
- MONITOR: Watch How Your Child Is Using the Internet
- APPROVE: Review Apps and Games Together
- RESTRICT: Limit Unhealthy and Inappropriate Content
- TALK: Keep the Conversation Going
SET-UP: Learn the Ins and Outs of Every Device
Being smart about your child’s online safety begins with the setup. Take time to familiarize yourself with every device your child uses. Knowing everything about your child’s digital devices will help create a safe and healthy online environment. Become familiar with parental controls, passwords, and security features to help prevent your child from viewing dangerous online trends and prohibited content. It’s essential to stay up-to-date and adapt your strategies as needed.
MONITOR: Watch How Your Child Is Using the Internet
Monitor your child’s online activity regularly. Establishing a respectful balance between safeguarding your child and promoting their online independence is key. This balance is achieved through continuous trust and open communication. By keeping an eye on your child’s internet use, you can better understand their interests and help ensure they navigate the online world safely. Constant awareness of their online behavior is essential for their safety and well-being.
APPROVE: Review Apps and Games Together
Review any apps or games together before allowing your child to download them. Apps and games can be fun diversions and educational tools, but they can also open unwanted communication with strangers, exposing your child to cyberbullying, sextortion, and other potential risks. Reviewing and approving together improves your understanding of the quality, educational value, and appropriateness of the apps and games on your child’s device.
RESTRICT: Limit Unhealthy and Inappropriate Content
Use parental controls to block access to inappropriate websites and content. Without restrictions, children can easily access explicit material, such as violence, pornography, and hate speech. Parental controls play a crucial role in preventing exposure to these harmful elements. Moreover, the Internet can serve as a hunting ground for predators who exploit children. Implementing restrictions can effectively reduce interactions with strangers and potential predators, fostering a safer online environment for children.
TALK: Keep the Conversation Going
The most essential tool to ensure online safety is clear and constant communication with your child. This ongoing dialogue helps inform your child about the latest threats and reinforces the importance of vigilance and responsible behavior, making it second nature for them to protect their personal information and recognize potential dangers. Additionally, honest conversations build a foundation of trust, encouraging your child to share any uncomfortable or suspicious experiences they encounter online.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES
South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
🌐 www.southfloridaicac.org
Report child sexual exploitation or harassment:
📢 Report.CyberTip.org
Online reporting and safety education program:
🌐 www.NetSmartz.org
Broward Sheriff’s Office:
🌐 www.sheriff.org/ICAC
The South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proudly hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
For more information, scan the QR code below:
