The world is a much different place today from what it was when I was younger. The world was much “bigger” then, information did not move from one place to another half as fast as it does today. Exposure to online technology and the dangers that lurk in its shadows was not something our parents had to worry much about (for those of us with a few grey hairs on our head).
We knew all our friends – our parents knew most of our friends and their parents too. We played outside with real people, we fell, bruised our knees and bled real blood. We planted real seeds in real soil (not on FarmVille), we did not share lives (candy crush) – These days its a much different story.
The generation of today (in most parts) cares very little for face to face human interactions. They have embraced the virtual world to the extent that they have blurred the lines between reality and that which is digital. Against this backdrop we now have to worry about protecting our children not just on a physical level, but on a virtual level as well where the virtual level has the power of completely destroying the physical level.
When we’re at work or even at home, we want to be sure that “the future” is safe from harm, but as children spend more time online with access to more powerful and feature-rich devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops etc.) it has become increasingly harder to keep up with them and to know exactly what they’re up to.
As a matter of fact, research shows that an increasing number of our young people are viewing inappropriate material online, whether having accidentally stumbled across it or having accessed the hardcore or violent films and images themselves.
So how do we protect our children from online dangers and from themselves?
I believe it begins with knowing what the dangers are. You cannot properly protect someone if you do not know what you’re protecting them from.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE ONLINE THREATS FACING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE:
- Pornography – these includes materials containing the explicit description of or display of sexual organs or sexual activity.
- Cyber-bullying – the use of electronic mediums to bully a person, normally by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
- Sexting – the sending of sexually explicit photographs (nude or semi-nude) or messages via mobile phone.
- Oversharing – revealing an inappropriate amount of detail about one’s personal life and whereabouts.
- Identity theft – the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information, usually for financial gain or other criminal activities.
YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT:
- People are not always who they say they are online. I can choose to be a 13-year old girl if I want to.
- Many predators will act as children to gain their trust.
- They should never take or send nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves or their friends to anyone. They should never post said picture online – by the way, posting them is a crime (Child Pornography).
- Sexting can lead to cyber-bullying and even extortion.
- They can’t take back what has been posted. Once something is posted online it is gone forever. Even if you take it down there is no guarantee that someone else will not put it back up (if they would have downloaded it)
- The mistakes they make online today can stay with them for a very long time. The Internet by nature is a very unforgiving place.
- Anything you post online can be used against you. If you post it be ready to stand by it and whatever consequences that may come your way as a result.
ONLINE BEHAVIOR DOS AND DON’TS:
- Do set strong passwords.
- Do use the various safety and privacy settings on your devices – Encryption is golden.
- Do pay attention to the privacy settings of your various online accounts.
- Do be mindful of your surroundings when video chatting or taking pictures.
- Do remember that there is always someone smarter than you.
- Do remember that you and your boyfriend or girlfriend may breakup. Keep your private pictures to yourself.
- Do not give out your passwords.
- Do not allow persons to photograph you in compromising positions (especially of a sexual nature).
- Do not open email from unknown senders.
- Do not share your location and schedule.
- Do not enter all your personal information online.
- Do not post your home address.
- Do not entertain sexual advances online.
Parents need to understand that children these days live in both a physical and a virtual world and that what happens in the virtual world can destroy the physical side of things.
Barring your children from technology is not the answer to online safety. Educating persons and setting them free is much more effective than caging or keeping them prisoners.
Tips to help parents protect their young ones:
- Communication – Parents and guardians need to talk to and listen to their children. Blocking certain sites or even restricting use of the Internet-ready devices is not the answer, parents need to talk to their young ones about the dangers that lurks online. Children will respond better and faster to parents who they see as friends than they would respond to parents who assume the role of boss, dictator or slave master.
- Education – Parents need to familiarize themselves with the technologies out there. Sure it might be difficult to stay ahead of or even keep up with the young people, but having even a tiny idea will definitely be a step in the right direction. No one is too old to learn a little about modern technology. Parents should even consider making themselves available so the young ones can show them a thing or two.
- The Internet is not the television of yester years – many parents used the television as a babysitter in times gone by. Parents need to understand that the internet is much, much more dangerous. Via the internet, your young ones can lead criminal right to your door.
- Before handing over the shiny new gadget or computer to your children consider safety and security. There are many persons who would be willing to set up safety features for you on the device. You can even checkout YouTube, there are tons of videos that will be able to help you.
- Open door policy – Children have a right their privacy, but parents also have a right and responsibility to protect their young ones.
- Computers should not be stationed in the bedroom of children/minors, but instead should be placed in a general location such as the living room where it is possible to see what’s going on.
- Smartphones, cellphones and tablets should not be off limit to parents. Parents should be able to check what’s going on on their children’s gadgets.
- Parents should be part of their children’s online friend circle.
- Pay attention to changes in your child’s or behavior. Children may become withdrawn, anti-social, overly aggressive or even start using abusive language. Pay attention to changes in entertainment genres – music and film. Remember cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking can result in the lost of life to suicide – talk to your children about these topics.
- Google your child’s name once in a while and see pops up. You do not need to be an expert or power user to be able to do that.
- As convenient as WIFI is, it will create problems. Not everyone need wireless access in their homes.
I love technology and would not dream of advising anyone to deny their children access to the Internet or modern gadgetry. What I want parents to do is to look out for their children and it all boils down to being your child’s or children’s best friends. If they can talk to you about anything and everything, most of the problem is taken care of. Communication and education are key.
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