Hello, hardworking parents. You juggle both work emails and football practice, but today we introduce an important new topic to balance - keeping kids safe online. Yes, it is not the most thrilling subject, but please stay with me. I assure you, there will be no technical terms or strategies to frighten you, only simple recommendations that even the most tech-savvy kids won’t see coming.
1, Messaging apps reality check
Let’s kick things off with an alert: where there is chat, there is a problem. You think you’ve child-proofed your digital devices against the usual suspects, but what about fitness tracker apps or online religious groups? Yes, you heard me, even fitness tracking apps—if sending messages exists within the app, then so do dangers. Predators are like ninjas; they can pop up anywhere.
Let’s not even get started on gaming apps. From Pac-Man to Fortnite, each one comes with its own risks.
Pro tip: join in on the gaming app with your kids. Most importantly, it will make you a cooler parent and earn the elusive browny points, and it is also an excellent method for noticing strange actions. Demonstrate your interest, participate in a couple of levels, observe any odd interactions and ensure that your action figures (we mean, kids!) know they can talk to you about anything weird or uncomfortable. Gently instruct them to keep personal information private, like advising them against eating yellow snow (if you have already done this, please do so).
2. Unmasking the vault apps
What are vault apps, you say? Vault apps are where people can conceal apps, documents, images, videos, etc that they don’t want others to access. You can also make the app icon look like any boring regular app, the most popular option is a calculator. If your child possesses more calculator apps on their phone than what a math teacher would have, this should raise alarm bells ringing.
Pro tip: keep an eye on their downloads (yeah, it's not just about screen time). Talking simply about which apps to use can be beneficial. It's unnecessary to investigate too deeply, like you are a member of CSI Miami, but a little awareness goes a long way. If you need a hand from technology, using tools like Family Link or Apple Screen Time helps you manage which apps your child can download without turning into a total helicopter parent.
3, Instagram’s “Private” Profile Illusion
Moving onto Instagram, where even a 'private' profile isn’t exactly Fort-Knox. Strangers can still slide into their DMs. Surprise, right? But fear not, there's a way to block these unsolicited message requests.
Pro tip: go to Instagram settings—look for the hamburger icon (no, not the tasty kind!) then pick Privacy and Messages. You can decide if messages from people you're not following go to the Requests tab or just don't show up at all, and the setting can be different based on whether the user in question follows you or not. Teach your kids how to do this or, even better, do it together. Teamwork makes the dream work!
4, Twitter or X, isn’t just for news
Okay, prepare yourself; Twitter (we refuse to call it X) isn’t just for catching up on world events or celebrity gossip—it also doubles as a treasure trove of not-so-PG content. The new X logo might stand for more adult pleasure, easily accessible with a simple search.
Pro tip: talk about healthy online searches and maintaining digital hygiene. It's like reminding them to wash their hands but for the internet. You might need more than the usual ‘no phones at the dinner table’ rule. Consider more stringent controls or keeping an open dialogue about what constitutes appropriate online behaviour and content.
5, Google Docs or Secret Society?
Last but not least, Google Docs isn’t just for homework. It's also the modern-day secret clubhouse. Believe it or not, that doc titled “History Research” could be a covert chat room where the latest school gossip or pop culture debate flourishes. Today’s homework hub is multifunctional, serving as a secretive social media platform. As mentioned earlier, remember if the application in question continains chat anything is possible.
Pro Tip: Encourage open discussions about online interactions just like you would about their day at school. Who knows? You might just get them to spill the tea on more than just their history assignment!
The digital realm is an extension of our reality, offering many interesting chances to learn and communicate, similar to a busy city with its dodgy streets, it also has risky parts. To stay safe, you need to keep learning about this ever changing world, take action before problems arise, and talk regularly with your kids who use technology on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that, as we are surrounded by this extensive world of technology online, you serve as their most excellent navigator. Therefore, prepare them with the knowledge required for moving through it securely and with intelligence. When the day comes to an end, we are not only bringing up children; we are also nurturing the next generation of internet users, creators and law makers.
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