How do I keep my 12 year old safe online?

Keeping your 12-year-old safe online involves a combination of supervision, education, and the use of technological tools. Here’s how you can help ensure their safety:

1. Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences and the people they interact with. Regular conversations about their internet usage can help you guide them and address any issues early.
2. Educate About Online Risks: Teach your child about the dangers of sharing personal information, the risks of interacting with strangers, and how to recognize unsafe situations online. Discuss the implications of cyberbullying and what to do if they encounter it.
3. Use Parental Controls: Set up parental controls on your child’s devices to block inappropriate content, control in-app purchases, and manage screen time. Tools like Google Family Link, Apple’s Screen Time, or third-party apps can help monitor and control their online activities.
4. Monitor Internet Use: Keep the computer or device in a common area of the home where you can easily monitor their activities. Check in periodically on what apps they use, which websites they visit, and who they are communicating with.
5. Set Rules and Boundaries: Establish clear rules about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior online. Define clear times when they can and cannot use the internet, and what types of interactions are allowed.
6. Teach Social Media Safety: If your child is using social media, help them set their profiles to private and go through their friend lists to ensure they know everyone personally. Discuss the importance of being cautious about what they post and share.
7. Encourage Critical Thinking: Help your child develop critical thinking skills about the reliability of information found online. Teach them to verify information through trusted sources and be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.
8. Discuss Online Etiquette: Talk about the importance of respect and kindness in online communications and the impact of their digital footprint.
9. Address Online Shopping: Discuss the risks associated with online shopping, such as sharing credit card information and personal details. Guide them on how to do it safely, if necessary.
10. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest trends in social media, apps, and online games that might appeal to children. This will help you understand the digital environment your child is navigating.

By combining these strategies, you can help protect your 12-year-old from online risks while allowing them to explore and benefit from the positive aspects of the internet.