Parenthood is never easy, especially in this digital era. Children are born into this internet era, so keeping them away from it is not really the right thing to do. Instead, as parents, one should prepare their children to navigate it safely and responsibly. If your children are about to make a digital presence, here are five conversations you must have with them. Not everyone is who they say they are
Inform them that there are strangers, both offline and online. Internet Safety 101: Inform children that people can pretend to be someone else. Online predators often pose as peers to build trust. It is normal for children to trust everyone easily. However, predators could manipulate this. Teach them that behind a cute avatar might be someone with bad intentions. Caution is important when they accept friend requests or interact with strangers online.Take your digital footprint seriously
It’s parents’ responsibility to teach their children about the impact of a digital footprint. Tell them that every post, reaction, comment, or share is going to stay there forever. Yes, forever. Let’s not ignore the chances of children, often influenced by peer pressure, posting pictures of themselves or something inappropriate or insensitive information online. Inform them that what they post today may come back to haunt them years later. Talk to them about what’s safe to share and what’s not. A digital footprint is a permanent record that can impact college admissions, future jobs, and personal safety.Be kind: There is a real person behind the online avatar
Cyberbullying is a growing concern among kids and teens. Children tend to say or share things online, they would never do in person. This is because of the false safety they feel, sitting behind a screen. Which is why it is important to talk to them about the repercussions. Empathy is important, whether they are online or offline. Remind them that there is a real person behind this message. Words hurt just as much in digital spaces. Kindness should be non-negotiable. Teach them that if something wouldn’t be okay to say in person, it’s not okay to say online. This world needs more kindness, even online.If you (child) feel unsafe, talk to us (parents)
Ensuring that your children trust you is crucial. Building trust is the only way they would come to you if anything goes wrong. You must let them know that no matter what, you are there for them. Tell them to come to you if they feel unsafe. Kids tend to hide the problems they face online, in fear of losing screen time. As parents, it is your responsibility to create a space where they feel safe telling you anything. Build the trust, and reassure them that they won’t get in trouble for being honest. Create a judgment-free zone. Do not share personal information
It is important to be aware of online safety. Parents must explain the importance of protecting personal information, such as full names, addresses, or school details. The age-appropriate conversation is crucial. For instance, young kids should be informed about what’s off-limits, while older ones should be aware of phishing scams and privacy settings.
