Way back, we didn’t really learn to use the internet at a young age. It’s probably because it wasn’t as accessible and advanced as it is today. But it’s actually surprising that now, it’s normal for super young kids to use the internet. That’s a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a good thing because they can familiarize themselves with this technology that they are likely to use for the rest of their lives and maximize it to make their lives easier. The bad thing is, that the internet is filled with a lot of people, which includes cyber criminals that prey on young individuals.
As a parent, it’s a great thing that you’re looking for ways to teach your kids internet safety at an early age. No matter the type of your internet at home — whether it’s DSL, cable, fiber, or satellite internet, these tips will make sure your kid grows up with the right knowledge to keep themselves safe from bad people online.
1. Play a roleplaying game where you act as a stranger online.
Kids love games. They are more engaged while playing, so why not use it as a teaching method? You can set up a simple roleplaying game where you pretend to be different people they might meet online. One round can be a family member or a real-life friend and another can be a stranger pretending to be nice. Ask them if it’s safe to talk to these people online and if they should engage in the first place. This helps your kid understand that not everyone online can be trusted even if they seem friendly.
2. Teach them the internet safety traffic light.
Traffic lights have three colors – red, yellow, and green. Just like crossing the street, kids need to know when to stop, slow down, or go when using the internet. You can use the traffic light system as a guide. For green, it means it’s safe to chat with family members and approved friends online (checked by you).
For yellow, they must always ask an adult before clicking on links, especially if it’s about too-good-to-be-true ads or posts. For example, if they see an advertisement that says check out Boost Infinite deals to receive a free $1000! they must stop and ask you or a trusted adult before clicking. For red, it’s all they must avoid – talking to strangers and sharing personal details. If they encounter a situation like this, they must close it immediately and let you or their guardian know.
3. Create a Unique Pause and Ask Signal
Sometimes kids come across something confusing or suspicious online but don’t know what to do. To make it easier, come up with a special hand signal or phrase. Whenever they see something they’re unsure about, they can use this signal to remind themselves to pause and talk to an adult for guidance. This will help them feel more comfortable asking for help instead of handling things alone.
Keep in mind that even if you have the best and the most secure fiber internet plan in your area, your kid cannot be entirely invincible from online threats. Hackers, scammers, and inappropriate content can still find their way onto their screens. That’s why it’s important to teach your kids that being cautious is just as important as having a fast and secure fiber internet connection.
4. Establish yourself as a safe zone for your child.
Sometimes kids might see something scary, confusing, or upsetting online but don’t know what to do. Teach them that just like in real life, if something doesn’t feel right, they should tell a trusted adult right away. Set up a “Safe Zone” talk where they can share anything without fear of getting in trouble. This builds trust between you and your child and helps them feel more comfortable talking to you about everything.
Final Thoughts
Before anything else, we’d like to commend you for being proactive in teaching your kid internet safety. It’s one of the most valuable lessons they can receive especially during their younger years as they are more prone to cyber crimes. We hope these tips help you teach online safety to your kids in a fun and engaging way. Good luck!
