The internet is an invaluable resource, providing us with resources and conveniences unheard of several decades ago.  Unfortunately, with these advantages come dangers.  Children are especially susceptible to the dangers of the internet.  While there are many advantages to allowing children to use the internet, parents need to take precautions to protect their children from the dangers the internet can pose.

Scams and Online Purchasing.  Children often fall prey to scams.  Parents must teach children how to recognize spam and remind them not to click on anything suspicious.  Many apps, games, and websites allow easy purchasing.  Remind children that online money is still real money and tell them not to purchase anything without permission.

Malware.  Kids can be drawn in to clicking on malicious websites and downloading viruses.  It is crucial to teach children how to recognize potentially hazardous websites and to remind them not to click on anything that seems suspicious.

Cyberbullying.  Recently, bullying over the internet has become a large issue, with several teenagers committing suicide over the cruel comments posted on social media.  Remind kids never to write anything on the internet that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face.  If parents find children posting mean comments online, it is recommended that children lose internet privileges until the behavior is amended.  If a child is the target of cyberbullying, remind them that words are just that: only words.  Recommend that they block people who are targeting them and show them how to block people.

Online Predators.  Most people on the internet are harmless; However, there are some people who target children with the intention of harming them.  Tell kids they must never share private information over the internet.  Remind them that you can pretend to be anyone on the internet; Just because someone says they want to be friends doesn’t mean that they’re not a predator.  If parents find children contacting strangers online or giving away personal information, it is reasonable to take away their internet privileges.  Remind kids that internet access isn’t a right and it can be taken away if they are being unsafe.

Adult Material.  With the prevalence of adult material on the internet, it is easy for children to stumble across x-rated pictures and videos.  Make sure to turn on the parental controls and filters on all search engines and websites kids will be accessing.  Tell kids not to click on anything that said “Adult”, “Parental Advisory”, or “X Rated”.

Internet Addiction.  Some time on the internet is fine for kids; However, spending all day on the computer is not.  Some kids can spend hours browsing the internet.  Not only does this keep them sedentary and waste time, it also increases their chances of getting into an unsafe situation online.  Limit kids’ internet time to a certain amount per day.  1-2 hours is recommended, with 3-4 hours being the maximum.

Keeping kids safe online is very important.  Following this advice will allow children to access the internet without falling into some of the dangers it offers.