{"id":7389,"date":"2014-03-09T22:34:09","date_gmt":"2014-03-09T20:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/responsive.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents\/?p=7389"},"modified":"2022-06-22T11:14:01","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T09:14:01","slug":"protecting-your-kids-from-the-dangers-of-the-internet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/parenting\/internet\/protecting-your-kids-from-the-dangers-of-the-internet\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting kids on the internet pt 1 – guidelines for parents"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our children are being raised unsupervised in a digital world, and parents are ill equipped to protect them.\u00a0Here are some guidelines which I hope will help empower you to parent effectively in this digital age.<\/p>\n

Guidelines for Parents<\/h2>\n

Take an active and informed interest in your children’s lives, online & in the real world. Talk to them about \u00a0their life online; that way if problems arise you\u2019ll be the one they turn to.<\/p>\n

3 \u00a0things to say in that conversation<\/h3>\n

1. Never share an image or do anything on a webcam you wouldn\u2019t be happy for family or friends to see.
\n2. If someone threatens you online, tell someone you trust. You can talk to me about it and I\u2019ll understand.
\n3. If you do get into problems online, it\u2019s never too late to get help. We will understand. You won\u2019t be blamed.<\/p>\n

3 ways to open a conversation about online activities<\/h3>\n

1. I \u00a0wonder if someone threatens you online who you feel you could tell?
\n2. How do you think you could get into trouble online?
\n3. I wonder how you think Mom or Dad would react if you ever did get into trouble online?<\/p>\n

4 \u00a0things to do if your child tells you they\u2019re being blackmailed online<\/h3>\n

1. Acknowledge the courage and maturity it took for your child to come and tell you.
\n2. Believe your child and tell them you believe them. Their experience needs to be acknowledged and understood.
\n3. Don\u2019t blame them, and tell them you don\u2019t blame them. Even if they\u2019ve engaged in risky behaviour, understand that risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development.
\n4. Don\u2019t immediately ban them from the internet. Although you may need to take short-term safety steps, the best way for children to stay safe is by learning how to negotiate the online world in a responsible manner.<\/p>\n

Don’t Panic<\/h2>\n

If you suspect something damaging is happening in your child\u2019s digital world, it\u2019s important you adopt a level-headed and informed approach to what is taking place. A major reason why children don\u2019t disclose online problems is the fear that they\u2019ll have the technology taken away from them, thereby taking away a large part of their social lives.<\/p>\n

Become Tech-Savvy<\/h2>\n

You will better comprehend your child\u2019s online environment and its dangers if you at least have a working knowledge of the sites, social media and apps that he or she utilises.<\/p>\n

Develop Home Values for a Digital World<\/h2>\n

David Coleman recently wrote an excellent article which outlined a number of things that parents can do to promote a healthy digital life for kids in your home.<\/p>\n