We are dealing with a young generation that is hooked to the internet. Social media defines and determines their lives. Apps and chats keep them breathing! And as the world is in the grip of a virus, they are enjoying their ‘viral’ fevers on whatsapp, facebook and more! You must have spent a significant amount of time convincing your kids to reduce their screen time, and in vain!
So, as they are locked to the internet during this pandemic, aren’t you afraid of their safety? Even as they are attending their daily dose of online classes, shouldn't you be cautious? As a parent, have you taken precautions against the shadowy world of the internet, against unsafe portals and strangers in disguise?
The lurking dangers of lock-out
You may think of the present lock-out times as a safety phase that keeps your little ones at home and protected. But, your kid can be in trouble even while sitting next to you taking his/her online classes, while you are busy at work. Very much like the real world, the dark possibilities are endless in the cyber world too. Don’t throw your caution away as you let your kids out in the open. Let’s see what your kids might be dealing with over the internet.
UNICEF has addressed the issue of cyber bullying and sexual exploitation in the times of lock-outs, with prime concern and you should be worried. To quote the organisation, "Spending more time on virtual platforms can leave children vulnerable to online sexual exploitation and grooming, as predators look to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. A lack of face-to-face contact with friends and partners may lead to heightened risk-taking such as sending sexualised images, while increased and unstructured time online may expose children to potentially harmful and violent content as well as greater risk of cyberbullying,"
Also adding "School closures and strict containment measures mean more and more families are relying on technology and digital solutions to keep children learning, entertained and connected to the outside world, but not all children have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to keep themselves safe online." So you know what you are dealing with now. Other than these, internet frauds are also on the rise.
Parental caution for keeping your kids safe online
Assuming these cyber offences will be only growing with time, you as a parent need to keep your child safe from the not-so-good world. However, that doesn’t mean barring them from using the internet for entertainment or learning. It means you have to be more attentive and cautious regarding your kid’s online activities.
But, with schools and coachings going online, and half their world contained in the internet, what can you do to avoid the worst?
Talk about it - The best way to deal with it is talk to your kids about their day and get to know about the usual platforms they use on the internet. It is truly said that talking would solve half of the world's problems, and this is one mission you must carry out effectively inside the premises of your home. Be open about your concern and listen to your child when they want to convey something. This way you would have an idea about their daily activities over the internet.
Keep the devices where you can see them - You may object to this as a hindrance in the personal space of your kid. But your motive is to keep them safe. So, it is a good idea to let your kids also know that you can easily see their screens. This does not mean you don’t trust them, but desperate times call for desperate measures! Also, avoid placing their device for online classes inside their bedroom. You definitely do not want strangers peeping into your young one’s bedroom.
Implement parental control - This is a never to forget step. Your kids are naive and they need some guidance to keep them in a safer place. Switch on parental controls that would limit searches, block unwanted pop-ups, and explicit websites and much more. This would assure you that even when you are not supervising, the boundaries are drawn and safe for your kids. You can always buy a security tool too, if you want to go further with secure measures.
Switch off that webcam when not in need - You need to switch off that video camera when there are no online classes. Also, teach your children the importance of doing that and make it a habit for them. You wouldn't want strangers virtually scanning your place. This is also a good idea even if you can do without the video. Do not forget to blur your background if you are video conferencing.
Co-view - Yes, this can be boon for parents. Co-view is an option that allows you to simultaneously view your kid’s screen on your device while they are on doing their usual over the internet. There are apps that can do that for you and make your life easier. Even when you are busy at work, you can take a quick glance at your kid’s screen and see what he/she is viewing.
While the pandemic and its after-effects keep your little ones inside, make sure they are safe even at home and on the net. Be vigilant and take careful measures to keep your kids protected. Online education is a healthy option to keep the kids engaged at home. But make sure that the online classes you make them join are provided by established and trustworthy institutes or coaching centres. Mind Mentorz is providing online chess coaching as a recreational activity that would hurl away their boredom and also keep them engaged in learning something new and constructive. While we talk about online security, we have taken every security measure to provide your child with a healthy learning experience.