Internet Safety Tips for Kids: 6 Rules for Online Safety

The advent of the internet has made a vast amount of information accessible and at the tips of our fingers. Let’s admit it, the internet has enriched our lives in different ways we never could have imagined. In some ways, the internet has made our lives easier, more convenient and sometimes wonderful. However, like everything else in life, the internet has its downsides too. In fact, some aspects of internet usage can be dangerous for us and for our family members especially our kids. This is where the importance of  internet safety comes into play.

Whenever our kids go online, they put themselves at risk of accessing inappropriate content, accidentally sharing personal information, cyberbullying, and more. While children need to be given the opportunity to explore and navigate the world through the internet, parents play a vital role in making sure our kids use the internet safely. Check out the following internet safety tips so your kids stay safe when going online!

Educate your kids

Young kids are the family’s weakest links when it comes to cybersecurity. Therefore, they need to be educated about how to use the internet safely and appropriately. Even though your children may be young, they need to be aware of the dangers that can come with improper use of some online platforms and the possible consequences if they are not careful. Make sure your child knows how important it is not to disclose personal information online such as names, phone numbers, address, parents’ place of work, names of their family members, and so on. When in doubt, tell your child to make sure he or she consults you and gets permission before entering any information online.

Remind children about the importance of privacy

With more and more websites and software gathering information for marketing purposes, be sure your kids are taught about the importance of privacy. Adults and kids alike can fall prey to accepting policies regarding sharing information without thoroughly reading the fine print. Don’t be lax, even if the settings are set to “private”. Once any of your personal information is shared online, you need to know that it is already stored somewhere. There’s always the possibility of having this information hacked. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Establish rules

While it’s okay that kids are given some liberty to have fun using their gadgets and electronic devices, parents should make sure there are rules established when it comes to the use of technology. Not only will this help ensure your child’s online safety. It will also reduce the likelihood of children becoming addicted to the internet.

When creating rules for your child, be specific about the hours they are allowed to go online, which websites they can visit, and the applications they are allowed to access. Don’t forget to designate “technology-free zones” around your home. This means that there should be specific areas or spots in your home where gadgets can’t be used. 

Monitor your child’s online activities

As soon as your child learns how to access the internet, be sure to pay close attention to his or her online activities. When posting anything online or sharing information on a website, they need to know that they may never be able to “take it back”. Monitor your child’s online activities and the things they post on their accounts or social media profiles (if they’re allowed to have one.)

Also, do not allow your child to shop online unsupervised. He or she might accidentally enter credit card details and other pertinent financial data on an unsecured website.

Check your child’s browsing history

Another internet safety tip for kids you need to remember is periodically going through your child’s browsing history. This will help you stay informed of the websites they have been accessing as well as the ones that may randomly pop up. It is also a great idea to create a folder with shortcuts to the websites and applications they visit frequently. This way, they won’t have to manually search for these things in the browser, which is ultimately safer

Turn screen time into family time

Besides being a vast source of information, the internet is also a great source of entertainment. So why not make use of it to create some fun family bonding time? Instead of doing individual activities online, maybe you can play some family games online or stream some feel-good family movies? Not only is this a safer use of the internet; it also provides the perfect opportunity to connect as a family!

The internet has made our lives wonderful in many ways. However, it can also be a dangerous place for young kids if we aren’t careful. Make sure your child stays protected from the potential dangers of the online world by following these internet safety tips for kids.

For more tips to help guide you on your parenting journey, please view more helpful resources on our website, Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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How to Encourage Good Reading Habits in Kids

Before they are old enough to read and understand the printed letters on the page, young kids love the music of language as their parents read them stories. Reading to your child offers a plethora of wonderful benefits. In addition to being an excellent source of entertainment, reading helps stimulate a child’s imagination and spark his or her curiosity. When little ones are read to, it can help expand their vocabulary as they experience a whole exciting range of emotions and acquire new knowledge and skills. Because there are so many developmental benefits of reading, it’s imperative that parents carve out time and energy so they can help their kids develop a lifelong love of reading. Read on for some helpful tips to help you encourage good reading habits in your little one.

Make it a habit to talk to your infant early on

One of the best ways to raise a young reader is to start them off young. This means that even before your child learns to recognize and read letters, just the act of speaking to your baby has a significant positive impact.  Even if your little one can’t utter a word yet, talking to babies is the first important step toward their development of basic language skills. Speak in simple and short sentences, and do so as if you’re telling a story with varying voice inflection and intonation. This helps young children begin to learn how to identify emotions through spoken language. 

Read to your child every day

Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of reading by setting aside time to read together on a daily basis,  at least 30 minutes each day if possible. Make reading books part of your child’s bedtime routine, or carve out some time for reading during the afternoon. Doing so helps little kids understand the conventions of reading as they start to become more familiar with new words and vocabulary.

Be a good role model

Whether it’s books or magazines you’re into, letting your child see how enthusiastic you are about reading is a great way to encourage him or her to read. This sets a good example as you encourage a love for reading in your child. Pick up your favorite reading material during your free time or while you’re relaxing at home. Children are more likely to follow what they observe from their parents and other adults around them. Not to mention, reading is an excellent alternative to screen time. 

Keep a variety of reading materials around your home

Keeping all sorts of interesting reading materials around your home is another way you can encourage reading in young children. Make sure your house is filled with a variety of fun and interesting reads that are appropriate for your child’s reading level.

Create a reading nook for your child

Developing good reading habits begins at home. Your child is more likely to pick up a book if he or she has a comfy spot dedicated to reading. Find a nice location in your home and convert it into a reading nook for your family.  It doesn’t have to be a large space. It can be a little corner that’s quiet and comfortable  with adequate lighting. Maybe you can put a soft couch or chair in your reading nook, and surround it with some reading materials your child will enjoy. 

Encourage activities that involve reading

Reading isn’t only learned and developed between the pages of a book. You can also encourage reading in your child by doing other activities that also involve reading. For example, when you invite your child to join you in the kitchen while you’re cooking, you can have him or her help you read the recipe and ingredients. When your child gets a new toy, have him or her read the assembly instructions. Something as small as practicing reading even a sentence or two in random locations at home and when you’re out any chance you get is a great way for your child to practice reading. 

Take your child to the bookstore or library

Another fun way to help young children develop a passion for reading is by taking them to the bookstore or library. These places offer an extensive range of options when it comes to reading materials. Have your child choose from a selection of books, comics or magazines they find the most interesting and those appropriate for their age and reading level. 

Reading is beneficial to kids in so many ways. Use these tips to encourage reading in your child early on. 

For more tips on parenting, or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your child, please visit Imagine Nation Learning Center. 

 

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