Ensuring Internet Safety During Summer Break: Protecting Kids in the Age of Increased Screen Time

Author:

| Published:

July 11, 2023

| Category:

Divorce

Ensuring Internet Safety During Summer Break Requires Divorcing Parents to Prioritize Online Safety and Monitoring Kids' Internet and App Use and Access

Summer break is an exciting time for kids to relax, have fun, and explore various activities. However, it also means that children may spend more time online, engaging in digital activities, and using electronic devices. Parents often ask Southlake family law attorney Leslie Barrows how to keep their kids safe online when alone or with the other parent. While we cannot police every minute our children are online, we can teach them valuable tools and critical thought to help them discern good from wrong and how to spot dangerous or threatening talk and behavior. As a responsible parent or caregiver, it is crucial to prioritize internet safety during this period to protect children from online risks. This article will explore essential strategies and tips to ensure kids' online safety during summer break when they have increased screen time.

Hanley Foundation: 8 Apps All Parents Should Know

Safety-conscious co-parents work well together in agreement to protect children from dangers in the world and online predators. Parents seeking peace of mind and proactive safety instruction can ensure consistent rules for Internet use and safety in both homes, and the kids are not free-range diving into unknown areas, using unsafe devices that haven't been made kid-safe.

Attorney Barrows points to a few features Internet providers offer to filter Internet activity and set up safety protocols for devices using your network. Not only do these features prevent unwanted sites, but they can also block specific websites. It is a parent's responsibility to keep up with safety recommendations for parents with children of various ages. The Internet is not the only place to be wary, and the app stores are full of apps that are used to trick parents and avoid detection. Learn what apps kids are using and where they are socializing. Online bullying remains a concern; too many kids suffer in silence and are bullied online.

See the Recommended Article: Keeping Kids Safe Online

The Following Recommended Activities Are Valuable in Keeping Kids Safe Online:

1. Open Communication and Education

One of the most effective ways to keep kids safe online is by fostering open communication and providing them with proper education about internet safety. Engage in frequent discussions with your children about the potential risks they may encounter online. Teach them about privacy, sharing personal information, and distinguishing between safe and unsafe websites or applications.

2. Establish Clear Rules and Boundaries

Setting clear rules and boundaries regarding internet usage is essential to maintain a safe online environment for kids. Establish guidelines on screen time limits and appropriate websites and apps, and seek parental permission before downloading or accessing certain content. By doing so, you can ensure that children understand the boundaries and know what is expected of them.

3. Use Parental Controls and Filtering Software

Utilizing parental control and filtering software can provide an additional layer of protection for kids when they are online. These tools allow you to monitor and restrict access to specific websites or content that may be inappropriate for children. Explore the various parental control options available for different devices and operating systems, and choose the ones that align with your requirements.

4. Encourage Safe Online Behavior

Teaching children safe online behavior is crucial to their internet safety. Emphasize the importance of never sharing personal information with strangers online, such as full name, address, or phone number. Teach them to be cautious about interacting with unknown individuals and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources. Please encourage them to report any concerning or inappropriate content they encounter.

5. Monitor Online Activities

Regularly monitoring your child's online activities is vital for understanding their digital behavior and identifying potential risks. Monitor their social media profiles, messaging apps, and online interactions. Be aware of the websites they visit, the games they play, and the people they communicate with. By staying vigilant, you can quickly address any issues that may arise.

6. Encourage Offline Activities

While it's essential to ensure internet safety, it's equally crucial to encourage children to engage in offline activities during summer break. Keep encouraging them to spend time with friends, participate in outdoor games, pursue hobbies, or read books. Limiting screen time and providing alternative offline activities can help create a healthy balance between online and offline experiences.

Always Prioritize Kids During the Divorce, and Monitor their Online and Social Activity

Maintaining open lines of communication with your children during the divorce process is vital. Let them know that you care about their offline and online well-being. Encourage them to talk to you about their online experiences, friends they interact with, or any concerns. Building trust and fostering open dialogue will make monitoring their online activities easier without invading their privacy.

Divorce can be a challenging time, but by keeping your children's well-being as a top priority, you can navigate this transition more effectively. Monitoring their online activities during and after a divorce is essential to safeguard their safety and healthy development. You can maintain a watchful eye while fostering a safe and supportive online environment for your children during this challenging time through open communication, parental controls, staying informed about online platforms, active supervision, and education about online safety.

Keeping Up With Technology: If You're Using It, So Are Your Kids, Learn What Apps They Use and Their Social Media Handles

As technology advances, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize children's online safety, especially during summer break when screentime increases. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, including open communication, setting clear rules, using parental controls, promoting safe online behavior, monitoring activities, and encouraging offline activities, you can help ensure that kids have a safe and enjoyable online experience throughout their summer break.

Terrific Tools: 10 Best Parental Control Apps – Works With Desktop and Mobile

As mentioned, kids do not quickly bring online bullying to their parents. They often feel ashamed and as if they are letting down their parent because they are being bullied and feel less than them. As a parent, it is crucial to constantly reassure and remind your children they can talk to you or another adult they can trust about things going on at school and with other kids. Sometimes the threats come from online gaming communities where kids may have significant social ties that are very real despite appearing trivial to adults who do not play online video games and might not understand the culture.

Please spend some time online researching where your kids are spending their online time, make a note of the games they play, and monitor what apps they have on their phones. And the more they know you are watching them, the less likely they may be to hide things or engage in wrong activities.

Remember, safeguarding children online is a shared responsibility, and by being proactive and informed, you can make a significant difference in their digital well-being. Good co-parenting means protecting kids online and ensuring Internet safety during summer break.

Use The Barrows Firm in Southlake As a Resource for Internet Safety During Summer Break

‍