When it comes to technology parents aren’t always up to speed with things. We sometimes need our kids to show us a few things here and there. We are considered the BBT’ s (born before technology). If you have ever bought a new cellphone and needed your child to assist you in setting up certain features such as a ringtone, or how to download an app, unfortunately you fall comfortably under that group.

Don’t be alarmed though, you can still school your kids in a few internet safety tips. Children are less cautious when it comes to things, parents however are always looking for red flags. It is in our parental nature to look out for our children. But when it comes to something they know better than us ,do we feel the need to lookout for them? This probably never crossed your mind but children need parental guidance when it comes to technology as well. Here are a few ways to help your children keep internet safe and to help them protect themselves from threats and unpleasant encounters.

The number one rule is to never give your details to anyone on the internet. There are countless social media sites and apps, and most of these platforms are a way people interact with each-other. Do you Remember how we used the phase stranger danger, that still needs to apply on the internet. Remind your children of the dangers of speaking to random people on the internet. You can’t be 100% sure of who you are actually speaking too.

Second rule is to avoid tagging locations on recent pictures. This easily gives away your location. If someone is tracking down your child think about how easy it will be for them to locate him or her using the picture and location tag. Firstly the picture will give away how your child currently looks, which will be the ideal way to spot your child and the location will lead them directly to your child. It may seem trendy to always post your location but I’m pretty sure safety is far more important.

The third rule is to avoid meeting up with people from the internet. If you are not 100% sure that the person you are talking to on the other side of your devise is who they say they are, do not meet up with them. Predators use social media to lure children by inviting them directly into their hands. They create profiles of harmless children as a cover up. This is what we call a cat fish, (when someone lies about their identity on the internet). If your child insists he/ or she wants to meet a new friend they met on the internet offer to go with them. If the person refuses to meet when you are around that would definitely be a red flag.

These three safety tips are aimed at keeping your children safe from internet predators. People are using the internet to lure children out of their homes and directly into their hands. Your child may think they are meeting a new friend only to find it was a trap, but if you are aware of these things we can easily avoid such a predicament. Please monitor your children’s social media apps and the websites they enter, it would make such a difference. As much as your child may complain about privacy, remember you are playing your part as a parent. Let’s make sure our children are not doing anything to compromise thier safety. Stay safe.