How can we help children explore the internet with confidence and keep them safe online?

The Internet has become an undeniable part of our lives, and for children, it's a playground of exploration, connection, and learning.  But just like a physical playground, the digital world can also pose risks. As parents, we want to empower our children to thrive online while keeping them safe. Here, we'll navigate the best practices for fostering a confident and secure digital experience for your child.

Let's start by understanding the risks of the internet.

Listen, parents… knowledge is your greatest power. Familiarise yourself with the potential online dangers your child might encounter:

Cyberbullying: Cruel and hurtful behaviour online or through digital devices.

Inappropriate Content: Exposure to violent, sexual, or age-inappropriate material.

Online Predators: Strangers who attempt to contact children for malicious purposes.

Oversharing: Inadvertently sharing personal information online that can lead to privacy concerns or identity theft.

Addiction: Excessive screen time can impact physical and mental health.

So, What's the solution?

Parenting by having open communication is key. Build a foundation of trust. Here's how to create a safe space for conversations:

Build a foundation of trust. Here's how to create a safe space for conversations:

Start Early: Introduce internet safety concepts as soon as your child begins exploring the digital world.

Be Approachable: Let your child know they can come to you with any concerns without fear of judgment.

Set Ground Rules: Establish clear expectations for online behaviour, screen time limits, and appropriate content access. If you need more help controlling your child's screen time and monitoring their online behaviour, try parental control devices and apps like Baatu's Enable Tab.

Focus on Learning, Not Restriction: Don't demonise the Internet. Frame online safety as a valuable life skill they are acquiring.

Be a Role Model: Practise responsible online behaviour yourself. Show them how you navigate privacy settings, verify information, and interact respectfully.

Engage in their online world: Show genuine interest in their online activities, games, and social platforms. Ask questions and explore together.

How do you teach your child to navigate online challenges confidently?

By Equipping Your Child with Digital Smarts:

Password Power: Teach them the importance of strong, unique passwords and responsible password management.

Privacy Matters: Discuss the concept of digital footprints and mainly the importance of privacy settings on social media and other platforms.

Think Before You Post: Encourage them to be mindful of what they share online. Remind them that once something is posted, it's difficult to erase entirely.

Stranger Danger Applies Online: Emphasise the importance of not sharing personal information or meeting strangers online.

Cyberbullying Awareness: Discuss the impact and dangers of cyberbullying and encourage children to report it to you or any trusted adult. Keep a close eye on their online activity to ensure they are not victims or become cyber bullies.

Trust us! Parental Controls Apps & Tools are Life Savers!!

While open communication is critical, parental control devices and apps can offer an additional layer of protection. Popular options include:

Operating System Controls: Devices' built-in parental controls can help restrict access to inappropriate content and manage screen time.

Browser Extensions: Parental control extensions can filter websites and search results, offering another layer of protection.

Monitoring Apps: These tools can provide insight into your child's online activity, including websites visited, apps used, and social media interactions.

However, these options only provide limited safety, and the chances of these features letting loose any inappropriate content are high. The best solution is to use apps and devices that are developed for the sole purpose of keeping children safe from online dangers. Many apps are available in the market. If you are in India, your only safest bet is to rely on Enable Smart Tab—India's 1st and Safest Smart Tab designed for Kids.

Enable is just like any smart tablet, with the same functionality. What makes it unique is its foolproof parental features. With Enable, parents can set screen time and sleep time. The tab will automatically lock once it exhausts the time limit and will only be available for emergency calls. 

You will also receive alerts if your child searches for or views adult or inappropriate content or accidentally stumbles upon it. This feature lets you know if your child encounters dangerous content and opens doors for an open conversation with them.

You can also track their live location and set multiple safe zones using Geo-location. You will be alerted if your child enters whenever they enter and exit the safe zones.

In addition to this, parents can also check the list of apps downloaded on their kid's Enable Tablet and can block and unblock apps when needed. 

These are the few uses of the Enable Tab. Instead of letting children access devices made for adults, it is better to equip them with gadgets designed for them that can guide them safely on their digital journey. 

Go Beyond Protection. Foster Digital Literacy

The Internet is a fantastic learning resource. Equip your child to explore it safely and productively:

Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Encourage them to question information they find online. Discuss how to identify reliable sources.

Build Digital Citizenship: Teach them about responsible online behaviour, including cyberbullying prevention and positive digital communication.

Embrace Learning Resources: Explore websites and apps that promote digital literacy, coding, and responsible online behaviour. Resources like Google's Be Internet Awesome curriculum offer valuable tools.

Embrace the Journey of Digital Exploration

By nurturing a conversation around online safety, equipping your child with digital smarts, and celebrating responsible online behaviour, you can foster a confident and enriching digital experience that fosters exploration and learning alongside safety. This ensures your child can navigate the digital world with the same sense of adventure and confidence you encourage in their offline adventures.

JUST REMEMBER ONE THING!! Online safety is an ongoing conversation. Adapt your discussions as your child matures and explores the digital world more independently. Keep yourself updated on emerging online trends and risks and encourage honest communication about online experiences, positive and negative.

Let's empower our children to become responsible digital citizens!