Your child is starting to use the internet and you want to be sure that he is protected from his dangers and abuses? Discover our tips for safe surfing.
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Internet and social networks worry parents. And there is something! In fact, in a few clicks, it is possible to be exposed to inappropriate content even shocking for our children: apology for violence, pornography, false information, cyber-harassment … However, the internet also offers incredible access to knowledge and culture. So how can we help our children to use the internet responsibly and independently?
Our tips to help your child surf the internet safely
If your child starts to use internet, it is important to accompany it from the start while ensuring that its navigation is as secure as possible. Indeed, the dangers of the Internet and the dangers of social media are very real. For this, various tools can help you secure your digital environment, and especially parental control.
Inform and support your child
To protect your child, it is important to inform him of the risks that exist on the internet and how it can avoid them. By accompanying them in their first steps, you will transmit to them good digital reflexes to have to navigate safely.
You can start, for example, by explaining to him that a lot of false information circulates on the internet: teach him to find reliable sources and verify its information. Make sure it uses search engines (Qwant junior for example) and digital encyclopedias (Vikidia, Wikimini…) adapted to his age.
Also explain to him that personal data are part of everyone’s privacy and that laws exist to protect them on the internet. Finally talk to him about the importance of preserve its digital reputation.
Child protection – Support your child and share your digital discoveries with them © New Africa
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Make rules
The first rule to follow when your child starts on the internet (and even after …) is to never leave him alone in front of his screen. So, instead place the computer in the living room than in his room. This will allow you to monitor the content it is viewing.
Then establish rules and clear limits for your family when it comes to digital use. There is a time for screens but also a time for real social interactions. So define and set up reasonable screen time and make sure it is respected. For example, you can put a password on the computer so that your child does not log in when he wants to.
Secure your computer and use a parental control app
So that your child can enjoy the best of the internet while avoiding the worst, you can set up different things.
First of all, you can create different sessions on your computer for your children. You will be able to configure each session in a manner appropriate to the age of the person using it. For each session, you choose the required limits. Also check that all filtering and security functions are active on your search engine. Also do not hesitate to install a parental control application while explaining to your child that the goal is to protect him inappropriate content and not restrict its activity.
You can thus adapt the setting according to its age, limit browsing time and prohibit access to sensitive sites. Finally, disable shopping functions integrated into applications to avoid unpleasant surprises.
A safe digital environment thanks to parental controls © LumineImages
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Use the resources at your disposal
- Download here guide “Internet, screens … and us” edited by Astrapi and the national program for the protection of minors on the Internet.
- Visit the website internetsanscrainte.fr
- Find information on the dangers of the internet through the site e-enfance.org
- Get the book “Internet and its traps explained to children” by the Petit Quotidien at Éditions Play Bac.
My daily life – internet and its traps explained to children
What is the Internet? Facebook, Snapchat, how to use it? What are the dangers when I surf online? Why shouldn’t the Internet be abused?
Knowing how to use the Internet today is essential, even for the youngest.
How can you help your child to use the internet safely? © fizkes
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