. . .and keeping them safe!
Our children are growing up in a very different world than we did. From their very first years they are exposed to all sorts of technology that was beyond our wildest dreams just 20 or 30 years ago. There are so many positives that come from the technology we have today – we are able to connect often with family members that are far away, kids are able to easily research and learn new skills and they can learn how to be organised using online resources – the list is endless. However, there are some negatives, and we need to be aware of them and teach our children to be wise and kind when using technology. We have to ensure that our children are safe and there are a few things we can do to help them along the way. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Talk Openly with your child about their Online Activity
Have an ongoing dialogue with your children about their online activity, this continual casual conversation will help them feel comfortable to talk to you when issues arise. Help them understand the permanence of anything posted online – Remember the Snapchat settlement? Most things can be screenshot or video recorded on Smart Devices. Teach your children to be smart on Smart Devices.
2. Establish Family Rules
Have a list of family rules that guide your child’s time online, for example:
- Don’t reveal personal information, such as your address, phone number, school name or location.
- Only use a screen name, not your real name, when registering on Apps and don’t share passwords (other than with parents).
- Keep the computer/laptop/tablet in the family room where you can monitor its use and encourage good netiquette, not in individual bedrooms.
3. Help them learn about Internet Safety
Register with Social Kids to provide a fun platform for your kids to learn about internet safety. Starting at a young age will help them now, and it prepare them for the decisions they will face as teenagers. On Social Kids, Codey Crawler takes the kids on learning adventures and teaches them internet safety. We recently had the opportunity to explore their course and loved their simple, fun and easy-to-understand lessons. Instead of mom or dad’s boring lectures on internet safety, this course will have the kids running back to do the next chapter. The Social Kids course has been put together by experts in the field and covers a variety of subjects that will adequately prepare your children for the online world.
Join Codey Crawler on a journey through the basics of the internet, internet security, safety, protocols, and an understanding of the digital world. We invite children aged 6 to 11 years old to take a journey with Codey Crawler to help better prepare them for a future that may lie ahead. This foundation phase internet safety course is designed to give children confidence online and teach them to think before they click.
socialkids.co.za
Giveaway
To get you started on your journey online with your kids, we are giving away 5 FREE Access Vouchers to the Social Kids Internet Safety Course valued at R2500 in total to 5 lucky winners (These will be valid until 19 January 2024). To enter, all you need to do is the following:
- Visit The Social Kids website: socialkids.co.za
- Show them some love on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialK1ds
- Comment below to enter!
That’s it!
We’d love to hear why Internet Safety is so important to you.
We have extended this giveaway until the 24 November 2023, all general competition rules apply.
Leave a Comment