Ensure internet safety for kids

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The Internet has become the most popular medium of communication, information, and entertainment in the world. Not only adults but kids are also tempted to stay online for hours whether required or not. With the easy approach to smartphones and tablets, internet access has become easier. Though it has served several purposes yet its perennial presence is posing serious threats to the children who are largely unaware of the harmful consequences of the internet. Therefore, ensure internet safety for kids!

Parents have an inevitable role to play in the growing years of children. It is the duty of the parents to monitor the length and depth of involvement of their children in the internet world. They need to understand the multiple negative effects of online overexposure. Barring a few of them, even a large number of parents may not know the impact of computers and the internet on the lives of their children. 

Side Effects of Internet Access to Kids

Here are some of the bitter truths about unlimited internet access on the kids:

1. The kids become addicted to online games including violent games which can make them aggressive.
2. The kids may visit or view some objectionable content or website in the absence of their parents and can have a wrong influence which may be undesirable or unsuitable for minors.
3. Even if the kids do not surf the undesirable websites, these sites can pop up and expose the kids to the content of pornographic nature which is actually dangerous.
4. Chatting has become quite a rage. But the flip side is the person communicating with the kid is a complete stranger. He may pretend to be of the same age kid residing in the same location but he may actually target the young children in his obnoxious motives to seduce innocent minds.
5. Blogging is a new way of expression. Children resorting to such means do not understand their limits and may cater private or confidential information to the whole world including the criminals.
6. Internet exposure is resulting in the loss of activity time or interaction time and the loss of childhood moments as the kid prefers the internet over social life.
7. Many physical ailments may crop up because the kids stay hooked to the cyber world and online games which takes away the fun or sports time out of their life. The ailments can vary from neck pain, joints pain, dry and/or tired eyes, weight gain or loss, irregular eating habits, improper sleeping timing, and even carpel tunnel syndrome.
8. Internet addiction is growing among kids and teens leading to several psychological and behavioral issues like less interaction with friends/ family, frustration, anxiety, guilt, lack of concentration, even leading to depression. 

               

                                                           

Steps to Ensure Internet Safety for Kids

Total avoidance of computers and the internet is not the right solution as it is the vast source of educational information. Also, the internet is a part of the daily homework of the students. But some concrete steps can be taken to ensure the internet safety of kids and adolescents.

                                           

 

Internet use under parent supervision

1. The parents need to maintain a good amount of control over kids while they are on the internet. There should be a time limit for playing online games.

Besides, the kids can be given access in the presence of parents only.

2. The kids should be taught about netiquette and certain dos and don’ts while being online. the parents can talk to growing kids about the probable dangers surrounding internet usage. Making kids aware of the positive and negative aspects of overuse can help a lot.

3. In addition, the parents should keep an eye on the visited history of the device so as to ensure safe surfing by the kids. Constant monitoring and check are compulsory to safeguard the kids from getting victimized by some unethical medium.

4. Computer monitoring and internet control software is an efficient way to protect the child from peril from the internet. Since round-the-clock vigil is not possible, such software is a necessity to support parental control on internet monitoring.

5. Lead by example. In case, you remain hooked to the internet unnecessarily, kids are likely to follow in the footsteps. Therefore, set the right example in front of kids.

                                                    

6. Introduce diverse games and activities to kids so that they spend a balanced time in online and offline activities. The activities can range from art and craft, backyard games, home camping, board games, DIY activities, printable games, and much more.

What do you suggest to ensure internet safety for kids? Share your views and tips in the comment section.

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