Online Safety Reminders

Many children and teens today spend time surfing the net and checking up on various social media accounts. It is important that caregivers are aware of their child’s online activity and help them navigate this online world.

During March Break caregivers can take this as an opportunity to have intentional conversations with their children about keeping safe and being respectful online. Please see below for some tips:

• remind children to never contact strangers online
• encourage children to share any worries or concerns with you
• ensure children understand the importance of not posting personal information
• set privacy systems on devices as a way to begin the conversation of safety
• ensure social media accounts and gaming applications have privacy settings in place
• keep video gaming and YouTube watching in shared family spaces
• set up video game restrictions to friends only
• set up restricted mode on YouTube
• encourage digital citizenship
• monitor your child’s accounts and activity often
• talk often with your child’s about their interests/activity online

Building the above practices into your family’s internet use will develop responsible online habits and foster digital citizenship skills that will support participation and engagement in years to come.