Top 3 tips to keep your child safe online

From new social apps to online school learning, it feels like the digital landscape is never-ending and always changing. It can be difficult to know how to best protect your child when so much of their world is online. That’s why we’re here to empower you with talking points and practical tips to help you keep your child as safe as possible online. 

By starting the conversation now and continuing it as they grow up, you’re letting your child know that they can always come to you for guidance and support as they navigate both positive and more complicated online experiences. 

Tip #1: Have the tech talk early and often 

Technology can be a wonderful tool in helping your child connect with those around them and in helping them to learn new, exciting things. And by opening up the conversation now, and keeping it going throughout the years, you’ll be setting them up for success online. 

It’s important to start an open, honest conversation about staying safe online from a young age (but it’s never too late to start!) and to continue the discussion as your child gets older. 

Begin by sitting down as a family and getting clear on your overall tech boundaries within your home. Are there certain areas of the house that are “no screen zones,” like the dinner table or bedrooms? Are there particular times of the day or week that you agree to unplug and connect with one another? What parental limits do you want to set surrounding certain apps or devices? 

Make sure that this is an ongoing conversation, leaving the door open for your child to always come to you if they are struggling. Let them know that your job is to keep them safe online, so you will be actively involved when it comes to their digital life. 

It’s not always the right time to talk, so if your child isn’t feeling it, let them know that they can always come to you at another time. Try saying something like, “Whenever you want to talk, I’m here to listen and support you.”

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Tip #2: Know the signs of cyberbullying 

Bullying is when someone verbally, physically, digitally, emotionally, or psychologically torments another person. Tactics used by bullies can greatly vary, making it tough to spot sometimes. But it usually involves actions like name-calling, mocking, spreading rumors, gossiping, making threats, physical contact, or online taunting.

Even if bullying isn't an issue in your house right now, it's important to discuss it so your kids will be prepared if it does happen. By doing so, you’ll be giving them a sense of safety and security, while also letting them know that they can come to you if they encounter bullying behavior.

Don’t wait until a bullying situation arises for you to open up the conversation. Chances are that your child will witness bullying in some capacity, or maybe they already have, so it’s best that they know they can always turn to you when things come up. 

It’s important to keep an open line of communication with your child and take notice if they experience any changes in mood or behavior. 

Signs of bullying can include:

• Behaving differently, feeling less energetic, or acting anxious 
• Changes in eating habits, sleep patterns
• Less interested in doing the things they usually enjoy 
• Prolonged anger or frustration; acting moodier or more easily upset than usual
• Avoiding certain situations (like taking the bus or going to school)
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• A change in academic performance
• Increased references to violence, death, or self-harm behaviors
• Physical complaints (such as stomach aches)

Be sure to report and block ALL online bullies. Instruct your child or teen to use the reporting and blocking features on all social platforms. By doing so, they not only protect themselves but also help others. Better yet, stay involved in your teen's social media activities, turning off comments when possible. If that's not an option, take a moment to review the comments together and block them as needed. Prevention is the best defense.

Tip #3: Teach your child to protect their identity online 

Teach your child or teen to never post personal information, such as their birthday, address, social security number, driver’s license, passport, or other documents online. Remind them that even though they may be proud of getting their driver's license, they should not post a photo of themselves holding it.

Teach them to be wary of downloading files or making purchases online without parental consent. Be sure to educate them about online scams so that they stay alert to “tricky people” that may prey on children or teens. 

Explain to your child how easy it is to lie online and the dangers of talking to strangers. This goes beyond social media sites, as gaming sites (such as Xbox, Stream, Discord, Twitch, and Roblox) are also a threat because of built-in chat rooms. Make it clear that they are NEVER to meet up with someone they encounter online. Above all else, encourage them to come to you if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

Remind them to think before they post. Encourage them to think about how their posts could affect others and remind them that what they say or post can have long-term effects on others and that college applications and future employment opportunities may be influenced by their digital presence.

We know that it can be tough to always stay involved and in the know when it comes to your child’s online activities, but by equipping them with the tools to protect themselves now, you’ll be setting them up for a lifetime of online safety awareness. Remember that Bend has a team of coaches, therapists, and psychiatric providers available right away to support you and your entire family. 

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