Internet Safety for Kids -

Internet Safety for Kids -

Over the years, technology has become a normalcy in everyone's life. Kids learn of smartphones and tablets, some before they’re even in kindergarten. Used to watch tv shows, play games, interact with family and friends, and even do homework. Technology has changed our lives. All change has some downsides. Social media is used to share picture, jokes, experiences, and talk with friends. Most kids 13 and up usually already have one, whether it’s instagram or facebook or twitter. We need to teach them how to be safe. Making friends across the world isn’t as big of an issue anymore, but the evilness hiding in simple accounts is. Challenges like the Blue Whale challenge and the Momo challenge have been popping up here and there through the years. These challenges pressure children, make them feel like they have to do what the account holder wants of them. They prey on anxious or depressed prone kids, and lead them to commit suicide. The momo challenge pictures a frog like woman, with bulging eyes, long hair, and a odd scary mouth. Being aware of this is important, and due to this new development giving new internet safety tips feels crucial.

·         As a parent watch for these things on the news. If you see something like a new challenge or teen suicide, try to talk to your kid about it. Make sure they know you care. Actively tell them you love them and talk about these issues and get them involved.

·         Social Media leads to kids often posting their name and pictures of themselves. It’s important to talk to them about not giving out too much information if they have a public account, and that they regulate who follows them.

·         Cyberbullying is illegal. Telling an adult is responsible, and if someone is doing something harmful then they should be forced to acknowledge how bad their actions are.

·         Sharing intimate photos is dangerous. Understand that even if you care about someone, later on they might not be trustworthy. It will be seen on you record, and you can go to jail or be charged with child pornography.

·         Be wary of spam emails and sites telling you that your computer is infected with a virus. They are only trying to hack into your stuff or affect your computer badly.

·         Everything you see or read online is not necessarily true. Look out for people lying to you, and always fact check information.

-Jude Jackson