Your children are extremely vulnerable every time they are using the internet. What are you doing as a parent to safeguard your children? Here are 6 steps to help you help your children
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| Photo Credit: Papua New Guinea Safer Internet Day Committee |
1. Know your technology
If you allow your children to use any form of digital device, make sure you know how to use that device yourself. Knowing the technology helps you help protect your children from the evils of the internet.
2. Set reasonable limits
Know your technology well enough to set reasonable limits to its usage as a means to protect your children from going overboard and getting hurt.
3. Get to know your children’s, online friends
Help your children learn the difference between a real friend and a friendly stranger. Monitor their virtual friendships. Instruct them never to meet online friends- only friends in person.
4. Talk with your kids if you suspect they are being bullied
Changes in your child’s behavior and attitudes can signal that they are being bullied at school or online. Victimized children are more likely to have difficulty sleeping, headaches, nervousness, stomach aches, and make excuses to avoid going to school.
5. Help kids understand the difference between tattling and reporting
Leah Davies gives a very clear distinction between tattling and reporting
Tattling is telling or complaining about the actions of a person or group. Examples of tattling are: “Sam took Lilly’s book.” “Sara won’t play fair.”Jessica keeps talking to me.” “Cameron pushed ahead in line.”
Examples of reporting or informing are: “Clyde is beating up Adam on the playground.” “Emma fell from the top of the monkey bars!” “Melissa keeps calling Natalie mean names in the restroom.” “Sam was making fun of the way Bill runs and will not let him play.”
Tattling obviously is the everyday little kid thing that is in most cases is normal but care must be taken not to encourage it to become frequent which is when it becomes bullying that now seriously require reporting. More on this l
6. Show your children you love them and will do anything to protect them
Children who are bullied are at risk for a range of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Show them love and help them open up so you can get the help they need.
Source : PNG DICT : Photo Credit: Papua New Guinea Safer Internet Day Committee
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