Helping parents to help keep their kids safe online

Today's connected digital world brings opportunities for children and young people that their parents could never have imagined at their age. As a result, when it comes to technology there is often a disconnect between children and grown-ups who cannot comprehend each other's worlds.

Date 2015-12-16 Author BIK Coordination Team
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Many parents have concerns about the internet on behalf of their children, and many of these concerns are far from irrational – from cyberbullying to sexting, grooming to identity theft, not to mention the inappropriate and unlawful content accessible on the web – there is plenty to worry about.
 
However, worry without action can put kids at risk.
 
Kaspersky Lab, together with research company B2B International, conducted the Consumer Security Risks Survey 2015 and found that half of parents believe that online threats to their children are increasing – but 20 per cent take no specific action to keep them safe.
 
Three in ten parents (31 per cent) feel unable to control what their children see or do online. Nearly two thirds (61 per cent) of parents worry that their children have uncontrolled access to inappropriate content online – but three quarters (76 per cent) have not installed parental control software that would help to mitigate such risks.
 
How can I keep my kids safe on the web?
The first thing to do to keep children safe online is to stop worrying and start taking action.
 
Talk to your kids: Do you know what your children are doing online? What interests them? Who are they talking to? Talking to children about what they get up to online doesn't have to be about surveillance; it's important to take a genuine interest in what your children enjoy so that you can chat about it and let your child know they can come to you with questions or concerns. Has your child had any bad experiences on the web? How did they feel and what did they do about it? Make sure your child knows what is appropriate, as well as what to do and who to tell if they come across something that bothers them.
 
Use parental control software: Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer parental control software that can block certain content. It is usually straightforward to set up and often free of charge. Mobile networks, games consoles and other internet-connected devices, especially those aimed at children, also often have parental controls. Ask your service provider, the shop assistant or check the manual for instructions on setting up controls before allowing your child access to a new gadget.
Child-friendly web browsers: Internet browsers also offer safety and privacy controls. Some child-friendly browsers have even stricter controls, or allow parents to choose specific websites users can access. Some websites, such as YouTube, have their own safety settings.
 
Educate: There are many dangers on the web, not all of them specific to children. Make sure you know how to stay safe online, and then teach your kids. Use internet security software and keep it up to date, use strong and unique passwords, check your privacy settings and never reveal personal information. 
 
Parental guidance is key: It is possible to allow your children to explore the web, have fun online and take advantage of all the good things the internet has to offer without putting them in danger. Make use of the controls and software that are available to help make the web a safer playground, teach your children about keeping their private information private, and make sure they know they can come to you with a problem. As a parent, you may not have grown up with the web, but you do have the love and wisdom that can help guide your child through the complicated trials of childhood, regardless of how much childhood has changed.
 

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