Tech Troubleshooting

5 Online Dangers for Kids (and how to prevent them)

If you allow your children to spend time online, it’s important to know what threats they face. Here are some of the most common dangers and how to prevent them:

#1 Inappropriate Content

The internet is full of “inappropriate content”, and it’s easy for children to find websites containing potentially mind-warping and disturbing content. Prevention: Set up parental control software to block websites you don’t want kids to browse. You can also use a child-friendly browser that automatically stops unsuitable websites.

#2 Chat Room “Friends”

The internet is a perfect forum to meet new people, but some with malicious intent can use it to “befriend” your child. These can then turn into dangerous offline relationships.

Prevention: Education is key. Emphasise the dangers to your children and tell them to only interact with people they know personally. Change the default privacy settings of social media accounts to private so strangers can’t view their profile.

#3 Cyber Bullying

Bullying happens in both the playground and the digital world. This is one of our most challenging threats. Prevention: Try to delay your children setting up a social media profile as long as possible – the recommended age is actually 13! You can also set up parental controls, although tech-savvy older kids may know how to change these.

#4 Online Scams

Children are very vulnerable to online scams, and they can also be “trigger-happy” and may click on links they shouldn’t.

Prevention: Again, education! Emphasise they should never click on a link or purchase something online without checking with you. The more they know, the better.

#5 Posting Personal Information

Children may not yet understand social boundaries, and may post personal information online as a result – anything from images to contact details. Prevention: Talk to them about boundaries, and change the default settings on social media accounts to private.

The Bottom Line

While the internet can pose dangers to children, it can also open doors of wonder. The most effective way to raise a digitally responsible generation is through open communication and education.

If you would like assistance with setting up parental controls, Tekkie Help can help. Just call them on 8113 8682 or visit tekkiehelp.com – and quote “EXPAT LIVING” for a 10 percent discount.