Monitoring your kids is, without a doubt, a must—especially nowadays. There are so many things on the internet that a child can click on that not only expose them to inappropriate content but also to people who prey on children. The internet is an amazing tool, but it is also a curse in ways that are hard to explain. It can dictate the course of a person’s life, whether for good or bad. It can make someone famous or get them “canceled”; it can make them liked or hated. Ultimately, it can be a place where they are protected or a place where they are put in serious danger.
Hidden Dangers
Many harmful things can be seen by or said to your child. A predator might try to manipulate them into sending a private image or revealing their home address. Beyond that, the threat of cyberbullying is constant. Someone could target your child with relentless harassment or digital abuse, which can happen 24/7 and feel impossible to escape. These interactions can leave deep emotional scars that stay with a child long after they log off.
The Myth of Privacy
With billions of people online, it’s important to remember that not everyone has good intentions. Nothing on the internet is truly private; there is always a loophole or a way for someone to find what you’ve posted. That is why you must be extremely careful. What you share can be read by a friend, but then shared again and again until it reaches thousands of strangers. Do not let your children share personal details. This includes their birthday, the state or country they live in, their full name, address, phone number, or email. None of it should be public.
Technical Safety
Always make sure your child is browsing websites that are secure. An unsecure site can easily lead to scams, phishing attempts, or viruses that compromise your home network. Establish a firm rule: your child must always ask for permission before downloading a game or creating a profile on a new website. This allows you to vet the platform before they engage with it.
The Weight of Your Words
Teach your kids to be mindful of how they speak to others online. Words have consequences, and digital arguments can escalate quickly. They need to be smart with their language because a comment made in a moment of anger can follow them for years and affect their future opportunities, like college or jobs.
Misinformation and Body Image
The internet is full of “fake news” and false information. A child might see something untrue and believe it or share it, which can be harmful in many ways. Furthermore, while the internet has pockets of body positivity, it is also filled with body shaming and “perfect” filtered images. This can make a child feel incredibly self-conscious, leading to unhealthy habits like obsessing over calories or developing a negative relationship with food.
Final Thoughts
While the internet can be a dangerous place, it can also be very helpful when used as a tool for learning and connection. The best defense is education: teach your kids how to navigate it correctly, stay skeptical, and always come to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Down below is a video to show your kid BEFORE giving them access to the internet.