May 21st, 2024

When it comes to screen time we have made decisions about the time limits and how our kiddos will be using their time. As I post this third installment of using technology and screen time, my littlest one is by my side having a nebulizer treatment while distracted by her screen. Would you categorize this as passive, interactive, or just really necessary?!!!
     Now, it is time to talk to them about who is on the other side of those screens. In today's interconnected world, the internet offers massive opportunities for learning, entertainment, and socializing. It also poses risks, particularly when it comes to interactions with strangers online. 
    As parents or guardians, it's crucial to educate, encourage, empower children about internet stranger danger and we do this when we establish strategies to keep them safe. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Open Communication: Establish an open and honest dialogue with your children about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers online. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or uncomfortable experiences they encounter while using the apps that you have decided are appropriate.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for online behavior, including rules about sharing personal information, communicating with strangers, and meeting people in person whom they've only met online. Reinforce the importance of adhering to these boundaries consistently.
3. Teach Online Privacy: Educate children about the importance of safeguarding their personal information online, such as their full name, address, phone number, school or team name, sports numbers, and photos. Emphasize that this information should never be shared with strangers online, as it could be used for harmful purposes.
4. Verify Identities: Teach children to be skeptical of strangers online who may not be who they claim to be. Encourage them to verify the identity of individuals they interact with by asking questions, conducting research, or communicating through verified platforms.
5. Monitor Online Activity: Stay actively involved in your child's online activity by monitoring the websites they visit, the apps they use, and the people they communicate with online. Utilize parental control software or monitoring tools to track their digital footprint and identify any potential red flags.
6. Empower Critical Thinking: Teach children critical thinking skills to help them evaluate online content and interactions critically. Encourage them to question the legitimacy of information, recognize warning signs of potential dangers, and trust their instincts when something feels off
7. Role-Play Scenarios: Role-play various online scenarios with your children to help them practice how to respond to requests for personal information, invitations to meet in person, or encounters with suspicious individuals online. Reinforce the importance of asserting boundaries and seeking help when needed
8. Model Safe Behavior: Lead by example by demonstrating safe online behavior yourself. Show your children how to navigate the internet responsibly, respect privacy settings, and interact respectfully with others online. Your actions serve as a powerful influence on their own online conduct.
9. Encourage Safe Platforms: Encourage your children to use reputable and age-appropriate websites, apps, and social media platforms that prioritize user safety and privacy. Familiarize yourself with the platforms they use and their safety features to mitigate potential risks.
10. Stay Vigilant and Supportive: Stay vigilant about monitoring your child's online activity, but also provide them with the support and guidance they need to navigate the online world safely. Offer reassurance and encouragement as they learn to make responsible choices online.

    By implementing these strategies and fostering open communication with your children, you can help ease the risks of internet stranger danger and empower them to navigate the online world safely and confidently. Remember, staying informed, involved, and supportive is key to protecting your child's digital well-being.

   As a mom, and former teacher, I had to include a video. I chose one that would hit directly for younger children and make the older kiddos giggle, but understand the true dangers of interacting with tricky people on the internet.  Sometimes it helps when it comes from another source for them to listen and understand. 

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