Pandemic times have forced lessons to be conducted remotely. Contact with peers, entertainment and searching for information has also moved to the Internet. Is it possible that it is also a threat?
Discovering how websites, portals and apps work should not be left to children alone. As well as how to protect not only their password, but most of all themselves. For younger children, the Internet may seem like a virtual room for carefree fun, but there are contents and people that will affect them negatively. Even parents are not aware of all the risks
Fortunately, more and more guides and articles on this topic are being written, and they are also taken up in schools. The most talked about addiction to the Internet, games, social media and electronic devices. However, there are other situations that are just as dangerous, which will be difficult for adults to notice and children to admit
We’re talking about easy access to content (text, graphics) presenting pornography, violence, vulgar language, drastic scenes. They can be not only presented, but also promoted (intolerance for people of different skin color, sexual orientation, nationality); the more controversial and “strong” they are, the more they gain publicity, and the greater the chance that they will reach and influence younger audiences. Therefore, it is best to talk to them early on, warn them and reassure them that they will always receive unconditional help and support from their caregivers. Both parents and children should be able to recognize content that proves to be harmful
Computer games that are available on CDs or downloaded directly from the Internet usually have such markings, if only graphically. A skull may signify drastic scenes, a fist may signify violence and/or foul language, and 18+, 16+, and the like may signify the age the game is intended for.
The first rule of thumb should be the time allotted for Internet use. A child should not use a cell phone, tablet or computer for the first few hours after waking up and before going to sleep. The time spent using electronic devices should also be limited. It should not take up most of the day or dominate the child’s other interests and activities. The virtual world should not become more important than the real world, online contact should not become more important than real meetings, and fear and shame should not become more important than trust in parents
Parental control should be introduced in the youngest children (e.g. by means of appropriate applications), which will block access to specific content, portals and websites
In some of them we can create a joint account, so that we can monitor what our kids do on the Internet. We should remember that their safety depends not only on what is given to them, but also on what they transfer to the Internet. Private information, pictures, films – all that should be discussed with the children before it goes online. As well as what the child will come into contact with. If they don’t find any harmful content on their own, but still come across it (or a complete stranger trying to get in touch with them), they should immediately inform their guardians. They need to know how to react and intervene.
Main photo: August de Richelieu/pexels.com
