Internet Safety Tips For Children At Home And School - ACT

Statistics from NetSmartz (a website run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) show that children are spending more time online than ever before. 93 percent of children aged 12 to 17 have access to the internet, and 75% of the same age group owns a mobile phone. Seventy-three percent of teenagers have accounts on social networking sites like Facebook, with about half of them sharing photos of themselves.

"How do I provide Internet protection for kids?" is the main issue. Since many parents believe parental controls necessitate detailed technological expertise, it can be a daunting prospect.

However, practically any parent can shield their children from inappropriate content or prevent them from downloading harmful malware using simple Internet protection software.

3 Tips to Protect Your Child Online:

1. Set up internet filtering

   Configure child-safe internet filtering on your router or through your internet service provider's protection app. This functions in the same way as library and public school computers' filtering systems do, allowing you to monitor which websites your child can access.##BlogVASBanner##

2. Block links to websites and keywords that you don't want your child to see

   The simplest way to ensure your child only has access to reputable internet content is to block websites and keywords. You can use your router or your internet service provider's protection app to block websites and keywords.Another way to set up internet filtering is to restrict your child's access to certain websites and keywords. You give access to licenced website URLs and keywords rather than blocking unique content. All other content will be blocked as a result.

3. Set aside time for your child to use the internet

   Another great choice for keeping your child secure online is to create an internet schedule, or a window of time when he or she has internet access. You can set up access times through your router or internet service provider's protection app, much as you can block websites and keywords. Your child would only be able to use the internet at set times if you use an internet plan. Limiting your child's time in front of the screen can also be beneficial to his or her growth. Make sure your child has ample time for homework and social events while making an internet schedule for them.