As a parent, it is your duty to protect your children from harm and danger, but with the ever-advancing world of technology, where new online risks arise all the time, it can be difficult for busy parents to keep up.
Therefore, here Is a list of 10 Tips that will help you better equip yourself in order to provide a safe environment for your kids.
1. Social Media
While social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can create a platform for strong relationships and learning opportunities, they also often open the door to predators.
Before allowing your child access to social media sites, always monitor their activity closely for age-appropriate behaviour and ensure that their profile settings are private so only approved friends can view their posts.
Alternatively, there are great apps to keep an eye on your child’s online activities. Family Orbit is the best parental control app to monitor your child’s phone. Use coupon code FAMBIT25 at checkout and see how you can give your child an extra layer of online protection.
- Ensure that you know all passwords for each of your child’s accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.). This way, you will be able to monitor everything that goes through these accounts and keep any inappropriate content from getting into their hands. If such material does get through, you can delete it before overexposing your child.
- Teach your children how to use social media responsibly. For example, keep them away from doing anything that might hurt another person’s feelings or make them feel uncomfortable (such as sharing private photos or making hurtful comments). If they understand the consequences, it will be easier for them to act properly online.
- Be aware of the dangers of social media. Although these sites can provide you with a great way to spend time with your kids, they are also the main source of cyberbullying. This is why parents need to keep an eye on what their children do online and be prepared to intervene if necessary.
2. Cyberbullying
While cyberbullying is not new, the widespread use of electronic devices allows bullying to reach a much wider audience and, as such, has become a growing concern for parents everywhere. If you suspect your child is being bullied via technology, there are several steps you can take to help them cope or prevent further damage from being done.
Remind children who are victims of cyberbullying that they should never respond directly to a message on social media if it is negative. If this happens often, delete their account on these sites so that bullies cannot contact them anymore.
Pay attention to children’s activity on social media and take note of any potential cyberbullies. Then, keep an open dialogue with your child about it so they know that they can trust you to help them.
3. Teach Your Children Self Defense and Empower Them
In addition to teaching new skills, it is also important for parents to empower their children with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from physical harm.
One of the best things a parent can do for their kids is to teach their kids self-defence from a young age so that they may protect themselves from physical harm if needed. While this might seem unnecessary to some parents, it takes little effort and time on your part to drill these skills into your child’s head before sending them off on their own.
For example, if a child knows how to defend themselves properly, they may have a chance of fighting off an attacker and get away to report the attack without being harmed. Regardless of age, always try and find ways to empower your child with the ability to take care of themselves so that no one else has control over them.
4. Be Consistent
Sometimes being a parent requires making difficult decisions, and sometimes you have to come down hard on your kids for their own good. However, if you do so inconsistently or with wavering resolve, it will weaken the impact of your lectures.
It could send a message to your children that these behaviours are ok when setting rules and boundaries. Stick to what you say every time so that they learn from experience that there is no use in trying to break them.
5. Spend Time With Your Children
While it may seem impossible at times, always set aside some quality time just for your kids because nothing substitutes for face-to-face interaction.
Also, do not allow yourself to be distracted by other activities such as watching TV or checking your phone for messages.
6. Develop Open and Honest Lines Of Communication
It is important for parents to always keep the lines of communication open with their children so that they will always feel comfortable coming to them with problems and concerns.
If a problem arises, ask them questions about it instead of lecturing them because this keeps them engaged and helps avoid misunderstandings down the road.
7. Be Involved In Your Child’s Life
The more involved you are in your child’s life, the better off they will be because it allows them to feel safe knowing that someone is looking out for their best interests.
Participate in school activities, get to know their friends, and attend all of their games, so they understand that schoolwork and extracurricular activities are just as important as other family responsibilities.
8. Remind Them To Report Abuse
Many parents are unaware of this, but it is important to remind children that they should always report sexual abuse to an adult because it does not go away on its own.
Not only might reporting make the victim feel better about what happened, but it might prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
9.Never Make Threats You Can’t Carry Out
The most loving thing a parent can do for their child is to be supportive while at the same time imposing necessary boundaries.
However, if you threaten punishments you cannot carry out, your child will see right through your bluff and may choose to act recklessly just to spite you.
Remember that even though your kids will push your buttons, sometimes there is nothing they desire more than for you to love and support them.
10. Remain Vigilant
People are not perfect, and sometimes your kid might slip through the cracks, but it is up to you as a parent to remain aware of possible dangers lurking around every corner so you can help guide them towards making better decisions in life.
Again, remember that you are not perfect, but by drawing on your own life experiences, you can usually determine when something is amiss.
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