Children spend more time in front of screens than ever before. It is virtually a requirement for children to have internet access to make it through school. Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to talk to children about what digitally appropriate behavior looks like as well as the consequences of not following rules and guidelines.
A few key points that parents and caregivers need to keep in mind include:
Parents need to set limits on how long and how often children spend in front of screens and on the internet.
Caregivers should learn what apps are appropriate for children and what apps are not.
Parents and caregivers should talk with children about what information, images, and videos can be shared with others through the internet and what information should be kept private.
Children should learn about what cyberbullying looks like, the dangers of it, and what to do if cyberbullying is spotted online.
Kids should be taught how to protect themselves and their networks against cyberattacks online.
The internet is only going to become more important in the future, and children will need to learn how to use if effectively. At the same time, children are also vulnerable when they browse online, so they need to learn how to keep themselves safe.
To learn more about the internet, cyberbullying, and how to set safe limits for children online, learn more with this helpful article from the Department of Health and Human Services.