3 Myths & Truths About Your Child’s Safety Online

Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at 11.26.27 AMThere’s a lot of talk these days about the many risks of children being online.

We hear news story after news story about cyberbullying, online child predators, and others with malicious intent lurking around every corner. Sure, there are risks, and practicing safe online usage is essential, but most of the time the benefits of the Internet far outweigh the potential hazards.

In today’s post, we’re debunking some common myths about your child’s safety online, and we’ll fill you in on the real truths of each situation.

MYTH #1: Social media transforms kids into bullies.

TRUTH: Social media is just another outlet for bullying — it doesn’t turn kids into bullies. Most kids who engage in online bullying are also often bullies at school and usually have another reason for acting out, like family issues, school problems, etc. The most productive thing to do is for parents and teachers to educate themselves about the warning signs of bullying so that they can step-in before the behavior goes too far.

MYTH #2: Never post photos of your children on social media — it’s too dangerous!

TRUTH: By using the appropriate privacy settings, you can post pictures AND keep your children safe. To ensure that your kids remain safe & protected, (1) use privacy settings that limit your posts’ reach to only family and trusted friends, (2) limit your audience by using photo-share sites that require a login to see pictures, like Flickr, and (3) don’t tag or identify your children in the photos.

MYTH #3: Strict parental control setting are the best way to protect your children online.

TRUTH: Using just one measure for online security gives you a false sense of safety. Parental controls are just one piece of the puzzle, you also need to openly discuss online safety precautions with your children, share the risks of being online, establish agreed-upon rules, and encourage your children to be both responsible and respectful when online.

To further protect your children from online risks, consider setting up a VPN to ensure privacy, security & safety while online. For more information, click HERE.

 

This post was inspired by this article.

 

Summer Internet Safety Guidelines For Kids

Screen Shot 2014-06-30 at 10.57.27 AMYour kids are home and enjoying summer vacation, and that means they’re likely spending many more hours plugged into digital devices and online.

And, though the internet can offer countless entertaining, social and even educational opportunities, it can also be a menacing place for children of all ages. Without guidelines and supervision, your children could be exposed to cyberbullying, inappropriate or hateful content, and many other dangers.

That’s why preserving open communication and setting up usage guidelines are so very important.

If you’re wondering how to best protect your kids from online dangers this summer, here are 7 tips to help you!

  1. Enjoy offline family time every day. Every day include some activities that do not revolve around the computer, TV, or any other digital device. Plan a day trip to an amusement park, enjoy a picnic, play a game of catch, or work on a craft project together.
  2. Set a good example. Whether at home or on vacation, set a good example for your kids. Don’t constantly check your emails or messages, put the phone away at the dinner table, and “unplug” often. Your kids will mirror your behavior.
  3. Centrally locate the computer. Putting the computer is a central location in your home is a great way to monitor your kids’ online habits. Also, outline if children are allowed to take smartphones and tablets into their bedrooms or if all “screens have to be seen”.
  4. Establish usage guidelines. Define the rules early and be consistent. Set a time limit for phone and internet usage, define what is acceptable behavior and what is not, and teach them privacy rules.
  5. Have open conversations. Discuss with your children the meaning of privacy and what is and isn’t appropriate to share online. Also, talk to them about online threats so that they begin to understand why having guidelines for internet usage are important in the first place.
  6. Offer alternatives. Suggest that your kids take part in activities outside of the house, like summer camp, sports, or arts & crafts. This not only will keep them offline, but it will provide them with mental and social stimulation.
  7. Put it in writing! Click HERE to download the Common Sense Media Agreement create by Time Warner. This contract includes 3 sets of checklists for kids of various ages as well as conversation guides for parents. If you want to establish healthy online boundaries with your children, this media agreement is a great resource.

Protect your family’s online privacy with GhostPath’s VPN service.
To try it out, click here & enjoy our 7-day money back guarantee!