Internet Safety for Kids

The digital world presents numerous threats to the internet safety of young people, including invasions of personal information, cyberbullying, and troubling behaviors like sexting and online harassment. There are a number of methods that can be deployed to protect your children from these online dangers, such as parental control mechanisms, security-enhanced apps, and tracking software.

Promoting internet safety for kids relies on their parents’ awareness of online threats and understanding the strategies to assist children and teens in circumventing these risks.

Almost every American child and teen engages with the internet, whether it be through social media sites, online games, or smartphones. They inhabit a digital community that comes with its own risks and dangers.

Parents, as trusted adults, are optimally positioned to monitor their kids’ online activity, ranging from social networking to mobile device usage. Their understanding of their children’s or teen’s online behaviors is crucial for safeguarding them from digital threats, including cyberbullying, online predators, and invasions of personal information.

Kids and Teens Internet Usage

According to the Pew Research Center, an astonishing 95% of teens possess a smartphone, and 45% claim they are almost continuously online.

The trend extends to younger children as well, with approximately two-thirds of fourth to eighth graders having access to phones or tablets. The 2016 Children’s Internet Usage Study by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education reveals that nearly half of these young children have a computer in their bedrooms.

How to Explain Internet Safety to Kids

Educating your children about potential online threats, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and the risk of online predators, along with ways to avert or report such issues, is a crucial step in ensuring their internet safety.

However, to effectively carry out this task, you must first comprehend these risks yourself. This involves staying current with the latest technologies, apps, and trends on social media platforms. While this might pose a challenge, it equips you to better discuss what to anticipate with your kids as it relates to their online activity. 

Maintaining an open dialogue with your kids is crucial as well. Assure them that your interest in their online activities stems from a concern for their internet safety, and always be open to their questions and concerns.

This openness can foster a comfort level that enables them to discuss the uncomfortable encounters they may experience online, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content. Moreover, it will provide you with a deeper understanding of how your children navigate the internet and social media platforms

Talk to children about how they can communicate with their parents, teachers, or other trusted adults when they encounter online content that triggers feelings of fear or discomfort.

Internet Dangers to Talk to Children About

• Risky or inappropriate content on websites 
• Malware and its potential to infiltrate computers and mobile devices 
• Online scams and fraudulent activities 
• Sexual exploitation and online predators

How Children Use the Internet

• 30% have used the internet in a way that goes against their parents’ rules
• 21% have visited social networking sites to talk with strangers 
• 17% have stumbled upon inappropriate content, like pornographic websites 
• 11% have browsed websites that help with cheating on schoolwork
• 4% have engaged with online gambling platforms

How to Promote Internet Safety

Establishing well-defined rules and explaining the rationale behind each one, along with the potential danger it guards against, can assist your child understand risks going online. The goal of these rules is to protect your child’s online safety, personal information, and privacy settings.

You might even consider having your teen or child sign a digital citizenship contract. This contract gives you the opportunity to educate them about online dangers and appropriate responses. Additionally, these contracts can initiate a dialogue about the boundaries you want to establish for your child’s internet use and interactions on social media platforms.

As your child matures, maintain an open and ongoing conversation, promising the expansion of their digital privileges and responsibilities proportionate with their growth and understanding.

Popular Internet Safety Rules for Teens and Children

• Do not share personal information, including your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, or residential details 
• Avoid posting your photo on public social media sites or any kind of public platform 
• Steer clear of chatting with strangers on social networking sites 
• Do not open emails from unknown sources 
• Resist responding to offensive, insulting, or cyberbullying messages 
• Report any inappropriate content or messages to a trusted adult 
• Never consent to meet someone you’ve only interacted with online 
• Establish time limits for your online activity and internet use

How to Protect Children Online

You can proactively contribute to safeguarding your kids from online dangers. This primarily involves monitoring their internet use and their modes of accessing it. Some aspects could be as straightforward as helping them with setting up their online access.

When providing your child with their first smartphone or tablet, leverage this as a learning moment. Guide your child on establishing robust passwords and implementing rules regarding who is permitted to download apps. You might want to restrict this activity to yourself until your child matures.

Ensure that your children avoid creating social media accounts or downloading social media apps until they are at least 13 years of age. This isn’t merely an internet safety tip; it’s mandated by law under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, established in 1998 to protect kids’ online privacy.

Explicitly state if you’ll be overseeing their online activity, tracking their browsing history, and keeping a record of their passwords. Covertly spying on your children’s online activity without prior disclosure could erode their trust in you.

7 Steps Parents Can Take to Maintain Their Kids’ Online Safety: 

Navigating the digital landscape safely is crucial for kids, and parents play a significant role in guiding this journey. Here are some key steps parents can take to protect their children online:

1. Place computers in a communal area of the house to oversee internet use. 
2. Frequently review your child’s browsing history. 
3. Employ security software or utilize parental control tools. 
4. Enable privacy settings through your internet browser or service provider. 
5. Stay informed about other computers or mobile devices your child may be using. 
6. Keep track of your children’s passwords. 
7. Monitor for shifts in your child’s behavior that could signal cyberbullying or interactions with online predators.

Teens and Social Media Use

Knowing which social media platforms your teens frequently use can help you recognize the types of content and interactions they are exposed to. Befriending or following your teens on these platforms can also enable you to monitor their social media engagement.

According to Pew Research Center surveys, nearly every American teen uses some form of social media.

Teens say that social media is helpful when it comes to forming new friendships, solidifying existing ones, and exposing them to a progressively diverse world. The Pew Research Center states that 31% of teens have a mostly positive perception of social media.

Simultaneously, the Pew Research Center indicates that teens are concerned that social media amplifies the drama in their lives and makes them more susceptible to social pressure.

There are also risks that they may not even consider. Prior to your teens registering for any social media platform, you can help them understand the dangers so they can have a safer, more enjoyable social media journey.

Percentage of Teens on Each Social Media Platform 

Social Media Platform	Usage by Teens (%)
YouTube	85
Instagram	72
Snapchat	69
Facebook	51
Twitter	32
Tumblr	9
Reddit	7
None	3

How Teens Feel About Social Media 

Upsides of Social Media Usage	Percentage (%)	Downsides of Social Media Usage	Percentage (%)
Feel more connected to friends	81	Feel overwhelmed by social media drama	45
Believe it lets them interact with a diverse group of people	69	Feel pressured to post only content that makes them look good	43
Believe they have people who will support them when times are tough	68	Feel pressure to post content that will win lots of likes and comments	37

Social Media Safety Tips for Teens

Here are a few important social media guidelines that teenagers can use to ensure their online interactions remain safe, respectful, and enjoyable.

• Avoid uploading inappropriate images or comments. 
• Steer clear of posts regarding drugs and alcohol, or those displaying violence, nudity, threats, or prejudice. 
• Come to an agreement with your friends that none of you will upload comments or pictures that could cause harm to each other. 
• Block any person that uploads threatening, harassing, or unsuitable comments about you and report them to the app. 
• Understand your privacy settings and go through privacy agreements before utilizing any app. 
• You could be disclosing excessive information. Exercise caution with new friends you encounter through social media. They might be trying to scam you.  
• Avoid discussing sexual topics with strangers. They may not be the person their profile says they are. If sexual comments persist, contact the police or report it to CyberTipline.com. 
• Avoid meeting in person with someone you’ve only met on social media.

Apps and Technology to Protect Children Online

There are a multitude of technology options that enable you to oversee your child’s online activity, screen out inappropriate content, and trace your child’s internet actions. These options range from purchasable security software to inherent features in your internet browser.

However, it’s essential to remember that these are merely supplementary tools—they cannot substitute the importance of open dialogue between you and your child regarding internet safety.

Tracking, Monitoring, and Setting Boundaries on Kids Internet Activity

By examining your kids’ browsing history, you can monitor the websites they visit online. Internet browsers maintain a record of previously visited sites. Access the browser on their computer or cell phone and select “History” to review this list.

It’s important to note that your kids may erase their browsing history, which could indicate they’ve visited inappropriate content. This possibility should be included in your conversation when establishing internet use rules with your child.

Modern apps, like iPhone’s Screen Time, empower you to establish daily time constraints on how long your child or teen can use any specific app.

How to Filter Out Inappropriate Content

Filters serve as a vital tool in controlling the internet sites and content your children can access. It’s designed to exclude inappropriate content.

It’s beneficial to communicate with your internet service provider to ask about any in-built internet filters they provide. These can facilitate in managing the online content viewable on different devices throughout the household. 

Activate Google’s “SafeSearch” feature on your kids’ devices for both Google Search and Google Images. While this mechanism filters most adult and inappropriate search results, it isn’t entirely foolproof.

Apart from these, you can invest in and install parental control software. Some versions can be installed on individual devices, while others provide coverage for all devices connected to your home network. Prices typically fluctuate between around $15 to $100.

Moreover, you can explore parental control apps specifically designed for your child’s phone or tablet. These can be found in the app download platforms. These apps, which cost between $10 and $30, can restrict app usage, monitor smartphone browsing activity, and prevent password changes without your authorization.

How to Prevent Cyberbullying

It’s important to teach your child not just about how to handle cyberbullying, but also how to avoid becoming a bully themselves.

Children and teens interact on the internet and via their smartphones, just as they do face-to-face. If you guide your child to maintain the same conduct online as they would in person, the likelihood of them becoming involved in cyberbullying decreases.

The Majority of Teens Have Experienced Cyberbullying

According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 60 percent of American teenagers admit they’ve experienced cyberbullying, indicating it’s a significant concern among this age group. The center’s research also suggests that educators, social media platforms, and politicians are currently falling short in addressing this issue effectively.

The statistics reveal a similar rate of cyberbullying victimization among both genders. However, girls tend to be more prone to being targeted by false rumors and receiving explicit messages without consent.

Concerningly, nearly six out of every 10 parents express anxiety over the prospect of their teenager experiencing cyberbullying, as per the Pew Research Center. While most parents believe they can guide their teens on how to manage such situations, it’s important to note that teenagers might not always confide in their parents about being bullied. This emphasizes the need for adults to familiarize themselves with the signs of cyberbullying.

Most Common Types of Cyberbullying

Here are some of the most common types of cyberbullying that adolescents encounter on the internet:

Type of Cyberbullying	Percentage
Name calling	42%
Spreading false rumors	32%
Receiving unsolicited explicit images	25%
Constant inquiries by non-parent of where they are or what they’re doing	21%
Physical threats	16%
Sharing explicit images without consent	7%

8 Signs Your Child is a Victim of Cyberbullying

1. Stopping use of the internet or avoiding their smartphone 
2. Displaying anxiety upon receiving emails, texts, or other notifications 
3. Isolating themselves from family and friends 
4. Reluctance to attend social gatherings or school activities 
5. Exhibiting signs of decreased self-worth, feelings of depression, or fear 
6. Experiencing a dip in academic performance 
7. Changes in sleep or eating habits 
8. Harboring thoughts of self-harm or suicide

How to Deal with Cyberbullying

Most children consider their parents as the most reliable source of support in combating cyberbullying, ranking them higher than law enforcement, teachers, and social media platforms, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

Parents must actively engage in helping their children avoid cyberbullying. Guidelines provided by the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children suggest that kids should be instructed to avoid responding to cyberbullies, preserve the evidence, and report the incident to the respective app or website.

Furthermore, it is advised to arrange a meeting with school authorities to discuss the school’s policy on bullying and cyberbullying, and to request a proposed course of action. Engaging in a conversation with the cyberbully’s parents or guardians about the situation is also recommended.

Additionally, it’s important to remind your kids about their duty to report instances of cyberbullying if they are aware that someone else is being victimized.

How Teens Can Stand Up for Victims of Cyberbullying

• Do not engage with posts that demean or torment others. 
• Avoid circulating embarrassing pictures or messages. 
• Report incidents of cyberbullying to the app or website.
• Stand up for the victim, be supportive, and show cyberbullies that their behavior isn’t supported. 
• If a classmate is involved, inform a teacher at school.

Online Gaming and Kids

Online gaming serves as a social platform for young people. These online games enable participants to compete against others from different parts of the country or even the world. Players can interact via text, chat, microphones, video cameras, and headsets. 

Part of this gaming experience can involve trash-talking opponents, but there are occasions when it can escalate beyond acceptable limits.

By actively engaging in your children’s gaming activities, gaining an understanding of the gameplay, and comprehending why your kids are drawn to these games, you can enhance your strategies for ensuring their safety in the gaming realm.

11 Tips for Keeping Kids Safe During Online Gaming

1. Understand the capabilities of the gaming device beyond just gaming, like web browsing and messaging. 
2. Examine game ratings to confirm they’re suitable for your child’s age. 
3. Check whether the game provides moderators or options to report improper conduct. Place gaming equipment in a common area for easier monitoring. 
4. Stay informed about other places your child might be playing games. 
5. Understand the safety features for the game and devices your child uses. 
6. Activate safety settings and parental control features on the gaming equipment. 
7. Preview the game to confirm its appropriateness. 
8. Require that your child seek permission before purchasing anything within online games. 
9. Establish guidelines regarding the duration your child can spend gaming. 
10. Teach your child to never share personal details, like their name or address while gaming. 
11. Use a voice disguising feature, if available, on your child’s headset.

Smartphone Safety

Buying your child their first smartphone triggers another critical conversation about online safety, while also introducing additional risks.

Make sure your children grasp the concept that a smartphone is a personal device and should not be shared with anyone. Sharing their phone could potentially expose private information or enable someone to masquerade as them online. Explain how their reputation could be compromised if someone were to send or post inappropriate texts, comments, or pictures using their phone.

Talk to them about how impulsive comments or photos could harm their reputation once they are published online. Guide them to think about the possible interpretations or perceptions others might form based on their posts.

Be sure your children comprehend the significance of being disconnected from their smartphone. Continuous screen time can interfere with sleep routines and divert their focus from their immediate surroundings.

Talk about how excessive phone use in front of the company of others can be considered rude. Practicing the habit of setting aside the phone during mealtimes, car rides, or when spending time with friends to demonstrate how to show respect towards the people in their vicinity.

Texting and Driving 

A smartphone is a great way to initiate safety lessons about teen driving when your teenager starts learning how to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving resulted in 3,166 fatalities in 2017, with texting increasingly contributing to related accidents.

Consider downloading apps that prevent texting and calling while the vehicle is in motion. These applications often allow you to determine which other apps will work while the vehicle is moving.

The Dangers of Sexting

The majority of teenagers will never take, post, or share explicit photos of themselves. However, it’s important to explain the severe consequences of doing so. Distributing explicit images of a minor is considered a serious crime.

Merely possessing such an image on their phone or computer could potentially result in child pornography charges, a severe offense that could label them as a sexual predator for life in certain states.

It’s important to discuss the risks associated with sexting in a relaxed, calm environment. Ask about your teenager’s understanding of sexting, and calmly express your perspectives on it. Encourage your child to think about how they may feel if explicit or intimate photos of them were shared without their permission. 

5 Tips for Talking to Teens About Sexting

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Tell your teen that if they ever feel pressured into sending a sexual image, they can discuss it with you or another trusted adult. Emphasize that they should never feel obligated to do something that makes them uncomfortable. 

Respect Yourself 

Encourage them to only take or share images they wouldn’t mind their friends, family, educators, or employers seeing, because it’s possible for anything to be shared. 

Think About the Impact on Others

Point out that if they distribute someone else’s image, they could potentially subject that person to distress and embarrassment. It should always be the individual in the photograph who decides who gets to see their body. 

Reflect on the Potential Consequences

Make them aware that sending an explicit photograph of themselves or another person could lead to expulsion from school or sports teams. They could also be exposed to public humiliation and even be subject to criminal investigations or charges. 

Discuss the Sharing Potential

Remind them that once they hit the “send” button, they lose all control over where the image will appear. They don’t have any authority over how it might be shared or posted.

What to Do if Your Child’s Safety is Compromised Online

If your child comes across threats or illegal activities on the internet, it’s important to immediately report it to local or federal law enforcement. For threats specifically aimed at your child, get in touch with your local police department.

If your child comes across certain types of threats or crimes online, you should contact the closest Federal Bureau of Investigation office.

When to Contact the FBI Regarding Online Threats

• Posts indicating potential acts of terrorism, including violence or recruitment.
• Posts displaying sympathy towards terrorists or terrorist organizations.
• Posts glorifying racial or hate crimes.
• Internet scams in emails, texts, or apps.

If your child encounters an online predator or stumbles upon a website illegally targeting young children, you can report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through their website, CyberTipline.com. The center will then pass on your information to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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