How Can I Protect My Teenager Online?

Parents need to get involved in the lives of their children and be more proactive about what they do. Online fraud is a major problem so parents should also be careful when deciding whether or not to give out credit card information online.

In order to protect your teenager online privacy, you should educate them about the potential risks and help them understand how they can protect themselves.

Why Internet Safety Matters

When we have kids, the first thing that we need to think about is how safe they are and what threats they might be facing. Privacy on social media networks is one of the most topical issues in this regard.

The Internet has been around for a long time now and with all the technological progress, it’s no wonder that it provides many opportunities for our kids as well. But, just like any other place or situation out there which may be harmful or dangerous to children, there are dangers in the virtual world too. There are top online threats for teens:

Pornography:

Porn is the most common form of child sexual abuse and is a huge problem for teens . It is estimated that close to 40% of teens are exposed to pornography before the age of 18, and as many as 50% of boys and 60% of girls are exposed by their 13th birthday. Close to 50% of teens aged 18-25 who visit pornographic sites admit doing so just once a month or less.

Computer predators:

These are people who are using their computers to engage in activities that can put children at risk, such as exposing them to pornography or using their computer for other illegal activities like distributing child pornography. The virtual world exposes children to these dangers.

Harassment:

The vast majority of chat room conversations are intended for general conversation and should not be considered harassment. However, there are times when conversations can turn into harassment and that is when cyberbullying occurs.

Cyberbullying:

Cyberbullying is when someone uses online or mobile technology to harass, threaten, or intimidate a person. Cyberbullies can be students, other school employees, or community members. Common targets of cyberbullying include children and teens who are different from the bully in some way (e.g., characteristics such as race/ ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability status), children with mental and physical disabilities or a mental illness, and those who have experienced trauma. It can also be used to bully groups of people.

Sexting:

Involves the sending of sexually explicit messages or images by digital means such as text messages, emails, and social media, often using a mobile phone.

Tips to keep your teen safe online

There are many things you can do to keep your teen safe online. Here are some tips:

Talk about it:

Talk to your teen about internet safety. Discuss the dangers of cyberbullying, identity theft, and other online threats. Let them know that you’re there for them if they ever need help or have any concerns.

Put protections in place:

Install security software on your teenager’s computer and phone. This will help protect them from viruses, spyware, and other online threats. You can also install a parental control app to help you control your child’s phone. Also, some people use these applications for reading spouses text messages, but we do not recommend doing this because the application is designed specifically to ensure the safety of your children.

Look for signs of trouble:

Pay attention to your teenager’s behavior. If they seem withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Set up ground rules:

Set rules for your teenager’s internet use. For example, you may want to limit the amount of time they spend online or restrict their access to certain websites.

Keep things out in the open:

Keep communication channels open with your teen. Encourage them to come to you if they ever have any problems or concerns.

Connect online:

Connect with your teenager online. Follow them on social media, and stay up-to-date on their activities. This will help you better understand their online world and how they’re using the internet.

Conclusion

Internet safety is important for all teenagers. By taking steps to protect your teen from online threats, you can help them stay safe and healthy. If you have any concerns about your teenager’s internet use, talk to them about it. And remember, you can always reach out to us if you need help or have any questions.