You cannot keep the internet out of your child’s regular life. In this age of information, the internet is a valuable resource for children’s education, and the best school in Sonipat will set its students up with online assignments. There is no denying that the World Wide Web can help your child’s academic growth, but it also brings along an inevitable menace. With more kids accessing the internet by the day, cybercrimes against children are also increasing at an alarming rate.
Children share personal information more readily. They are enticed by gift prospects and attracted to content that is new. They learn visually and what they see and learn over the internet can actually go on to shape their future. As a parent, you cannot entirely cut off the internet to protect your child as they will find a way, but you can definitely take measures to keep the online devils away. Here are 5 effective ways by which you can protect your child from cyber crimes and keep them safe all along.
- Keep your digital devices away when they are young
Stay away from pacifying your child with a game on the phone or a video on YouTube. They will get used to the digital lifestyle from a very young age and nothing traditional will work after that. Give your child toys or crayons to play with or simply go out to the park to play. This way, he/she knows that there’s another reality out there that is equally fun.
Plus, children tend to pick up their habits from their parents. If they see you constantly on your phone or laptop when you are around them, they will develop a similar tendency. If you have to work, consider using a separate space. When you are with them, engage in more real-world activities.
- Start early and teach them everything
Eventually, they will come in contact with the digital world. So, start teaching them about the pros and cons of the internet and make them aware of every aspect. It is always better that they learn things from you rather than a wrong source. Teach them how cyber crimes can happen and how to identify one. In fact, the top schools in Sonipat like Swarnprastha conduct special sessions to teach their students about internet activity and how can they stay away from malicious surfing.
Real-world examples help here. Your child must be wary about talking to strangers in the park or accepting any gift from someone in the mall. Tell him/her that the internet works in the same manner. He/she must not engage in any activity over the net that he/she wouldn’t have done in the real world.
- Monitor their internet activity, but as a friend
If you put too many restrictions on your children, their curiosity will drive them to that activity. You cannot tell them not to use social media as it’s harmful at a young age. Instead, let them use it but ask them to have you added as a friend. This way, you can see who all are interacting with them and how they are using the medium.
You must also have an authentic antivirus installed on your child’s computer. The good ones can monitor websites accessed, keep the system free of malware and keep away phishing attacks. Some even come with parental control features that deny access to adult and violent content. Conduct a regular scan of your child’s device and keep them away from harm.
- Surf along with your child to show them the difference
Your task of teaching your child about cybercrimes does not end with an enlightening talk. They still have to identify fake profiles themselves and know about misleading emails. This is where you can sit down with the digital device, and help them understand the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.
Make them understand that no one will suddenly offer them a million dollars. Surf the internet and show them what a secured payment gateway looks like. Also, coach them about setting usernames and passwords and how hint questions work. Help them identify deceit and they will trust you if something comes up.
- Help them understand the basics of the internet
The top CBSE School in Sonipat, Swarnprastha has included the working of the internet in their curriculum. Your child may understand the flip side of using the online world, but he/she will become truly aware once they understand the basics. If they know that every photo they share or every word they type is ultimately stored in a common space, they will think twice before the action.
An ignorant mind will make mistakes. But if your child is aware of hacking and its malpractices, he/she will be wary. Your kid will then start using the net for all the right reasons and will be less prone to cyber-crimes.
So, do your bit and trust your child to make the right choice. Show them the path and let them find their way. Protect your child from cybercrime and let the internet be a boon!
