Teaching Kids about Privacy Settings
Parents face immense challenges due to continual advancements in technology and easy access to the internet. Mobile applications, daily web surfing, online video games have become the norm within every family. The ever changing social media landscape may be one of the most challenging issues for parents.
What’s hot now can be replaced by a new social media platforms within a short couple of years. In terms of learning, the latest websites or apps can help young kids young kids in primary school and beyond learn more efficiently while making it exciting.
No matter what kids are doing online, it’s important to revisit education regarding privacy settings on a regular basis. Here are some points for consideration as parents navigate this topic.
Basic Rules for Kids
It is vital to set up some internet rules for your children at home. In order to keep children safe while online, examine the applications and devices which are used by each child and set up privacy tabs and parenting controls.
It is a good idea to sit with your children and teach them how to use the internet for their advantage in order to learn something new. Set up some basic rules for your children according to your household. For example, never to give passwords to anyone. Whatever you post should not be disturbing and uncomfortable for others to watch. And remember to get permission before giving any identifying or private information.
1. Explaining the Importance of the Privacy
No child or teen wants to be spied on, so it’s critically important to promote positive communication and explain to them why privacy concerns are so pressing. Ravenous demand for more and more content on social media puts a person under pressure to share something as well. Take time out to communicate with your kids what should and should not be shared because the world outside is watching.
Secondly, remind them to be civilized as their audience or friends might not have privacy settings. Communication about digital privacy is not a one time conversational. Things change rapidly online and settings must also be reviewed regularly. Kids need to understand and remember the value of staying safe in the virtual world.
2. Showing Respect
Respect and empathy are some of the basic skills every person should learn in life. While we talk about privacy settings, privacy itself is a fundamental right of each and every individual. Teach your kids to respect the privacy of others around them, including teaching them about what internet privacy truly means. It might not be feasible if they share someone’s information without their consent or post a picture without asking them. Teach your children to be careful about using anyone’s electronic device outside your home as well.
3. Using Privacy Settings
It is imperative to learn how to use the privacy settings for yourself first. This can be a challenge if you don’t even use the applications that your kids are using. If in doubt, just “Google it” for tips and resources about a particular website or app.
While discussing this topic with younger children and teens, read the terms and conditions of a particular social media platform or app. Do it with them and allow them to set and change their privacy settings during the conversation. Such as: the sharing any data, turning off location tracking or the microphone, using a strong password which cannot be copied or easily cracked.
As much as possible, stay away from public Wi-Fi to keep your connections safe. Making sure that the social media profiles of Facebook, Instagram, etc. are private so no one can excess your information.
4. Hire A Tutor
The issue of privacy setting is quite sensitive and complex. There are times when you are not able to teach your children the value of privacy effectively. In that rare scenario, it’s better to encourage teachers in their schools to have an extra session about this topic. If that is not possible, then consider hiring an online tutor who can teach kids how to use the internet safely, browsing with them to help them understand the importance of privacy settings inside their home and within in any social surroundings.
Keeping Up with a Digital World
It may seem impossible to keep up with every social media site or app that kids are using these days. Trust between parent and child, tween or teen is the starting point to keeping lines of communication open. Ask your kids what apps they are using. This is a good start. Chances are they are not even on Facebook anymore. There are so many new and exciting options online and ultimately, young kids and teens will go where their friends are going. As mentioned, open communication to build trust and a healthy environment within your home will go a long way to aid us all in this ever evolving digital age.
Privacy and Consent
Educating kids about online privacy can also help parents transition into the difficult subject of teaching them about personal consent issues in the real world, such as physical touch and how to say no when they are uncomfortable in any situation. Bottom line, kids of all ages need to be treated as individuals who are in control of their online privacy and personal space.
