Internet safety should always be at the forefront of parents' and caregivers' minds. Just like with any ever-changing technology, it is the adults' responsibility to make sure the children under their care are making careful and safe choices on the internet. In recent days, there has been a resurgence of some upsetting, targeted videos online, and it is important to recognize that the science that is meant to filter the internet for a child is not flawless. When content is intentionally created to trick those algorithms into letting malicious content through the "kid safe" settings, children are at risk.
Here are 5 things you can do to help protect your child from being targeted online:
- Closely monitor your child while online. Yes, you may leave them watching a superhero, but the algorithm that cannot determine the difference between a Spiderman toy unboxing and a Spiderman role-playing video will also be choosing what your child views next. You are your child's first line of defense, and you can take notice of what your child is viewing and recognize when something seems "off" a lot faster than your child can.
- Set boundaries around screen time. Chose when and where your child gets to watch. Let them know before they start, when screen time ends, the tablet or phone is going away. The earlier you can establish these habits with your child, the better. It may be hard work to un-teach old habits, but you can do it.
- Seek out a support system. If you are ready to set boundaries on your child's screen time, but are nervous about how to start, seek out another mom who is willing to show you the ropes.
- Recognize the importance of age-appropriate content. Yalda T. Uhls, MBA, PhD Regional Director at Common Sense Media, shares about the consequences of exposing a child to content that is not age appropriate: "When children watch content that's not age appropriate, a lot of things can happen depending on the child. One thing is they can sleep badly, because they're scared. Or they're anxious. They may get exposed to content that's inappropriate...there may be swearing or alcohol, drug abuse. Things that they are not really to deal with, developmentally and emotionally. And that will have consequences often in their lives, where the television or the content is off. So, choosing age-appropriate content for your child is very important."
- Educate yourself on the child settings on your tablet or device. Statesville dad Dustin Hedrick of NerdChic shares this tutorial for setting up age-appropriate settings on their family Kindle:
Making wise choices for your children will help protect them from malicious content and will also give you the chance to be more involved in their experience. And, if you're looking for some screen-free ideas for family time, check out our guide to Indoor Games and Projects!
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