Children nowadays are hooked on the internet and use their computers, mobile phones, and tablets all day long. Internet possesses enormous benefits for children, but, certain risks are also there.

Children browse the internet the entire day and are not aware of privacy, social networking etiquette, viruses, and much more online threats. Accessing inappropriate content, communication with risky strangers, sharing of personal information, and internet addiction are some of the top threats which children face. However, the parents can ensure safety for their kids by following specific measures.

Below mentioned are a few tips to keep a child safe from online threats:

• Awareness from an early age: One of the essential aspects of ensuring internet security is to start building awareness within a child. It is imperative for parents to discuss the benefits as well as risks associated with internet usage. Starting the process from an early age will enable children to remain conscious of the safety and privacy issues related to internet access.
• Online Grooming: There has been an increase in social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Nowadays, children possess an account over all the social networking sites. Though, these websites are a great source for networking and communication, but, it is important to make sure that a child is made aware of fake accounts as well as the dangers involved in accessing these sites. Parents should provide their children with online grooming to educate them about the differences between actual and fake accounts.
• Show them Support: Often, parents are not aware of the content, their children are accessing over the internet. This could arise as a result of peer pressure or from the improper A parent must showcase their support to the child and assure them that they have their back even in adverse situations. The process of comforting a child will drive transparency between the two and save them from getting impacted by online threats.
• Keep an Eye on Online Activities: It is ideal to place a computer that the child uses at a place that is visible from any part of the house and allows the parent to be aware of their kid’s online activities. This further safeguards a child from getting involved in unsuitable content and wrong online influence.

• Teach them essentials: It is not possible for children to grasp every little detail over the internet privacy and security. However, parents could start with the basics and inform them about the essentials to be followed when online. A few aspects which they should be made aware of are – not sharing personal information like contact number, address, school name, email, etc. with strangers, preventing conversation with strangers, not responding to unusual or disturbing messages, and avoiding committing to meet in person with online friends.

The internet has laid an extensive impact on children. Teenagers are the ones who are most prone to sharing and accessing the information on social media sites, which makes them most vulnerable. Not only are children affected by online scams and frauds, but, they can also be targeted by cybercriminals. In order to protect the child from such online threats, it is essential for parents to keep an eye on their online activities.

The online threats and adversities driven by the internet habits of children have grabbed considerable attention from schools. The Indian education system is taking care of making the students aware of the dangers and risks involved while using the internet. The schools in Sonipat city have made it a part of their curriculum to make children aware of the dangers of the internet.

Swarnprastha, one of the top 10 schools in Sonipat, delivers quality education to its students. The school focuses on every student’s academic as well as personal development. Swarnprastha’s counselors guide students and identify their emotional needs and provide exceptional counseling within the school. Such an approach guarantees children’s safety from fraud and other associated online threats. Their methodology has helped them grab the top spot among the list of best CBSE schools in Sonipat.

The process of ensuring online safety for children is a complex task; however, if done efficiently and patiently, this could do wonders for a child. The very last yet essential tip for parents to keep children safe from online threats would be locking or switching off their geographic location.

It is important to make children understand that sometimes thieves target tweens and teens’ for cybercrimes and use their personal details to do all sorts of online scams like making fake credit card accounts or even buying expensive things like a car or home. In order to prevent this from happening, it is essential to make students aware of the importance of keeping their private data safe when on the internet. Awareness about internet threats can help you keep safe!

Stay Aware,  Stay Safe.