Category: Online Safety for Kids

Teenagers worldwide are keen to establish a strong digital footprint and create an online reputation that unearths new opportunities.However, the internet always presents an element of risk and some teenagers can, inadvertently or not, take actions that lead to long-term reputational damage.

In addition, research indicates that 30% of children aged 8 to 12 want to become YouTubers, of whom many undertake steps to ‘make a name for themselves’ once they become old enough to manage their accounts.

With that in mind, we will explore the practical strategies that teenagers can employ to protect their online reputation, create a positive digital identity, and not risk jeopardizing their future career opportunities.

Sharing Content: How to Protect Your Online Reputation as a Teenager

Whether using social media or participating in online communities, your online identity will be shaped by the content you post and share. In many cases, a person’s digital identity can be very different from their real-world identity, with people maybe feeling more comfortable exploring interests and subjects online than they would offline.

This can result in new personas, using a different tone of voice or writing style, and being more open to alternative ideas and thinking.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with assuming a different personality online, but for teenagers, there are plenty of common mistakes that can put cracks in your future plans.

So, don’t worry, don’t visualize being fired because you posted a meme, and try to tailor your approach to sharing stuff online according to the following pillars:

‘Delete’ Won’t Fix Everything

If you post something slightly controversial, offensive or divisive online and wish to remove it, don’t think you can erase it from existence just like that. It only takes a second for someone to screenshot a post and save it so it can resurface later. And that’s not even starting about web scraping—using scripts to automatically download all the data from a site or profile.

Don’t Make It Easy for Your Identity to Be Stolen

As scary as it sounds, worst-case scenarios like posting compromising photos or writing to your boss aren’t things you should worry about when it comes to identity theft. Even someone buying a TV, console or bunch of clothes can burden you with anxiety, debt and issues with online accounts. To prevent this:

Respect the rules of proper password management, and ideally all your passwords together

Don’t overshare and keep your profiles private—this will give identity thieves less material to work with

Always wonder why is someone asking to know something; even if it’s a friend asking you online—make sure it’s really them

Avoid Arguments

When encountering people on the internet, a rule of thumb is that some of them might take things too seriously. And even though they won’t seem malicious at first, they can easily ‘explode’ when argued with and thus become ready for anything.

There have been numerous accounts of people getting swatted, doxxed or even stalked IRL because they simply argued with someone online. Even if it’s a Call of Duty lobby, think about how easy it is to connect your in-game ID to your identity. So, don’t take the bait and don’t feed the trolls.

Don’t Break Copyright Rules

Major names like WSB, Universal and just about any publisher live off of the intellectual properties (IPs) they own. What that means is—Marvel owns the rights to everything related to Captain America, whether it’s movies, TV shows, advertising, depictions, toys, etc, and no one can use it without their permission. If they do, the legal and financial consequences can be debilitating.

The same goes for smaller brands and creators, who can be even more litigious. In February 2024 alone, 767 total cases had been filed with the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). And things are poised to get even more hectic, as laws about using art and data to train AI models still don’t exist.

If you aren’t sure about that meme, share it with friends privately and don’t risk copyright strikes resulting in your profile getting deleted.

Assess Your Digital Footprint

Occasionally, it is always a good idea to type your name into search engines and see what comes up. If there is anything a little inappropriate or embarrassing then find the source and try to have it removed as soon as possible.

However, be careful before attempting to contact the perpetrator or site owner. It might be best to consult a parent, caretaker or lawyer in terms of your legal rights in this particular situation.

How Parents Can Help

As a parent, you’re probably reading all this and thinking ‘How can I help my child from making online missteps?’ Well, the answer is that you’re going to have to educate yourself, not just in terms of online etiquette, but in terms of more technical aspects of your child’s online lives:

• If your child spends time making online purchases, do some research on the sites and their security measures. Things like having PCI-compliant hosting for secure payments, encryption and similar protection are always a good sign. Likewise, a lack of transparency on these issues is concerning.

• Contact your internet service provider (ISP) about available parental control features. You’ll probably be able to block certain websites or at least restrict time spent on them. Likewise, think about monitoring apps for extra safety.

• Simply talk to your kids. We know it sounds daunting (and oftentimes, it really is), but showing your kids you understand and that your advice can provide value is an essential part in getting your point across. Otherwise, you’re in for an uphill battle.

As well as a teenager’s reputation, it is also crucial to make sure everything is being done to avoid them falling from online scams or being a victim of cybercrime. This is especially the case if your child uses websites that involve online payments.

As a parent, your role is to advise the child about the security of the site they’re joining. Once you find out the name, you can research whether the site gets pen tested regularly, and do they undergo regular vulnerability assessments or anything else that might provide tangible proof that your child won’t be the victim of a potential data link.

Tips for Establishing Positive Online Engagements

We’ve talked about what to avoid and be careful about, but what’s the magic formula for establishing a ‘positive’ online persona? Well, there’s no single trick, teenagers can add these tips to their online arsenal for better results:

• When using LinkedIn, you should do so with your future career in mind, building relevant connections and engaging in the right way. Ensure your profile indicates you’re a real person who knows how to present themselves online.

• You can’t mix business with pleasure. In the case of Instagram, your profile can’t feature both professional photography and videos of your mate doing kickflips on his skateboard. If you want to post both, create a separate profile.

• Always view new connections at potential sources of recommendations. People get asked to recommend someone for a product or service. And chances are, they will recommend someone pleasant and confident over someone who’s just pure brains. Be the former.

• Don’t hesitate to share your knowledge or passions. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, whether it’s through vlogging, traditional blogging, streaming or something completely new and groundbreaking.

Conclusion

The internet can be a difficult space to navigate, especially for young people who may feel under pressure to join in with new trends or get involved with inappropriate discussions. Don’t feel FOMO—instead, think and analyze how leaving a permanent online trace can be perceived a couple of years from now.

From using social media safely to preventing unauthorized access to accounts, you’re responsible for securing your online identity, while also ensuring that any content you create or share won’t be an obstacle to your career aspirations.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Have you decided to further your education? It’s a bold and transformative step, especially for single moms balancing the demands of family, work, and personal growth. Pursuing higher education can open doors to new career opportunities, increased earning potential, and personal fulfillment.

However, this journey comes with its unique set of challenges. As a single mom, you may find it particularly daunting to juggle your responsibilities while striving for academic success. Yet, with the right tips and strategies, you can navigate this path smoothly and effectively.

Here are nine tips to help single moms successfully manage their higher education journey.

Tip 1: Create a Support Network

Navigating higher education as a single mom is much easier when you have a strong support network. This network can include family, friends, and fellow students who can provide emotional support, practical help, and encouragement. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those close to you for assistance with childcare, transportation, or simply a listening ear when things get tough. Furthermore, many colleges and universities offer resources specifically for single parents, such as counseling services, support groups, and childcare facilities. Leveraging these resources can make a major difference in managing your responsibilities and maintaining your well-being.

Tip 2: Consider Online Programs

One of the best options for single moms looking to further their education is enrolling in online programs. These programs offer flexibility, allowing you to study from home and manage your schedule around your responsibilities. Online programs are available in a diverse range of fields, including business, healthcare, education, and social work. For example, an online MSW program (Master of Social Work) can be a great choice if you’re interested in advancing your career in social services. These programs provide the same quality of education as traditional on-campus programs but with the added benefit of convenience. You can attend classes, complete assignments, and engage with professors and peers from the comfort of your home.

Tip 3: Develop a Strict Schedule

A well-structured schedule is crucial for balancing your studies, work, and family life. Consistency in your daily and weekly routines helps ensure that you allocate sufficient time for each of your responsibilities. Start by creating a detailed planner that includes all your commitments, including study time, work hours, and family activities. By adhering to a strict schedule, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure that you meet all your deadlines, both academic and personal.

Tip 4: Utilize Financial Aid and Scholarships

Higher education can be expensive, particularly for single moms who are mostly the sole providers for their children, but many financial aid options are available. Scholarships, grants, and loans can reduce the financial burden, making it more feasible to pursue your educational goals. Begin by researching scholarships for single parents, women returning to education, or those specific to your field of study. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can also open up opportunities for federal grants and loans.

Tip 5: Prioritize Self-Care

Amidst the hustle and bustle of balancing studies and family responsibilities, do not forget to take care of yourself. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain your overall well-being. Simple self-care practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and ensuring you get enough rest, are integral for you to keep going. Taking mental health breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies can help you recharge and stay focused. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself enables you to better care for your family and excel in your studies.

Tip 6: Communicate with Professors and Advisors

Building strong relationships with your professors and academic advisors is crucial for navigating higher education as a single mom. Professors and advisors can offer invaluable support and flexibility when you need it. Be proactive in communicating your unique situation to them. Explain your circumstances and the challenges you face as a single parent. Most educators are understanding and willing to accommodate students who show commitment and responsibility. Take advantage of office hours to discuss your academic progress, seek clarification on assignments, and request extensions if necessary. Academic advisors can also provide guidance on course selection, scheduling, and career planning, helping you stay on track to achieve your educational goals.

Tip 7: Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful ally in your educational journey. There are numerous digital tools and resources available to help you stay organized and efficient. Productivity apps, such as Trello, Asana, and Todoist, can help you manage tasks and deadlines effectively. Note-taking apps like Evernote and OneNote allow you to organize your study materials and access them from any device. You can also utilize online libraries and research databases. These provide easy access to academic resources, making it convenient to conduct research and complete assignments.

Tip 8: Stay Motivated and Positive

Maintaining motivation and a positive outlook is crucial for overcoming the challenges of being a single mom while pursuing higher education. Set realistic goals that are achievable to keep yourself motivated. Instead of completing one large task within a short period, break it down into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether they are supportive friends, family members, or fellow students who understand your journey. Engage in activities that inspire and uplift you, such as reading motivational books, listening to podcasts, or attending workshops and seminars. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your educational and career aspirations.

Tip 9: Be Flexible and Adaptable

Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for successfully balancing higher education and single parenting. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected challenges are bound to arise. Being open to adjusting your plans and finding alternative solutions can help you navigate these obstacles. For instance, if you encounter a scheduling conflict, consider rearranging your study hours or seeking help from your support network. Stay resilient and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with setbacks. Embracing change and being willing to adapt will help you stay on course and achieve your goals despite the inevitable challenges.

Conclusion

Navigating higher education as a single mom is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. These strategies will help you create a smoother and more manageable journey, allowing you to provide a better future for yourself and your family. Remember, the effort and dedication you invest in your education today will pay off in the long run. Stay determined, stay focused, and embrace the journey with confidence. Your hard work and perseverance will lead you to success.

Shopping for gifts for a newborn baby can be an exciting and rewarding experience. While babies require very little in their first few months, selecting useful, thoughtful gifts for the new parents can help make this transition a little smoother.  So, let’s explore the 7 of the top gifts for welcoming a new baby that are sure to be appreciated.

From practical essentials to sweet keepsakes, these gift ideas will stand out at the baby shower or become useful staples once the little one arrives.

1. A Heartfelt Card

While it may seem simple, a heartfelt card with a new baby congratulations message is one of the most thoughtful gifts for new parents. Consider selecting a high-quality card with a sweet message welcoming the baby and congratulating the parents on this exciting new chapter. You may want to include a personal note about what the parents mean to you and how you feel about the new addition to their family.

If you will be far away during the baby’s early days, you can include gift cards for food delivery or house cleaning services to help lighten their load. However you decide to craft the message, a card with new baby congratulations is a gift that will remind them of your love and support during the magical early days.

2. Soft Blankets

Babies love to be swaddled and cuddled in soft, cosy blankets. Consider giving a set of 2-3 premium baby blankets in cotton, fleece, or muslin material. Neutral colours like white, grey and beige make great gifts since they match any nursery decor. Look for extra soft fabrics that will feel gentle against sensitive newborn skin.

For an extra practical touch, consider zippered sleep sacks that replace loose blankets in the cot for safer sleep. Swaddle blankets with Velcro or snap closures also make swaddling easier for sleep-deprived new parents. A set of soft blankets gives parents one less thing to purchase while providing comfort for their little one.

3. Bath & Body Essentials

While newborns don’t require extensive bathing routines, selecting some high-quality bath time basics makes a useful gift set. Look for gentle baby shampoo and wash formulated without harsh chemicals or fragrances. Consider adding baby-safe lotion, oil, soap, and cotton washcloths to help parents establish a soothing bedtime routine.

For the hospital bag, travel-sized toiletries like nappy cream, wipes, and a nasal aspirator allow parents to focus on their new arrival rather than running to the store. Wrap up a thoughtful assortment of bath and body essentials to start their collection.

4. Books

Reading to babies benefits their developing brains and promotes bonding for the whole family. A collection of board books makes a wonderful first library for a new arrival. Look for books with simple images, bright colours, and contrasts that are visually stimulating. Classic titles like Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You and The Very Hungry Caterpillar engage young infants.

Consider mixing in a few baby sign language books to support early communication development. Books also make useful toys for pushchair rides and playtime. Gift a sturdy board book collection to enrichment their story time routine in those sleepy newborn months.

5. Keepsake Box

Few gift items become treasured family heirlooms like a keepsake box for baby’s first experiences. Look for a high-quality wooden memory box engraved with their name and birth details. The parents can safely store precious mementos like hospital bracelets, birth announcements, first photos, and locks of hair.

For a modern twist, provide a baby book kit with prompts and fill-in areas to document milestones. A beautifully crafted baby box makes the perfect place to preserve special memories from baby’s first year that parents will cherish forever. Your gift will create a priceless sentimental gift.

6. Nappies

An endless supply of nappies becomes the essential must-have for the first year. Consider pooling resources with other gift-givers to provide a nappy cake gift package. Stack different sized diapers in a creative shape or design to present the gift. Include extras like nappy cream, wipes, changing pad, and other changing accessories.

If you want to gift something more compact, purchase supermarket gift cards or a nappy subscription service. New parents will appreciate not having to run out for nappy purchases in those exhausting early weeks. While not glamorous, nappies remain a practical necessity that every new parent is grateful to receive.

7. Photo Shoot

In the blur of sleepless nights and endless nappy changes, the newborn phase passes swiftly. A professional photo shoot captures fleeting moments in stunning detail. Many photographers offer mini sessions perfect for fuss-free newborns. The images become cherished lifelong keepsakes documenting baby’s early days.

If photos aren’t in the budget, consider a handprint/footprint photo frame kit. These DIY mementos let parents create lasting plaster moulds capturing just how tiny they once were. Newborn photographs or keepsakes create an invaluable memory gift for new parents.

Welcoming a new baby brings an abundance of joy, challenges, and adjustments. Offering thoughtful gifts provides new parents support during the exciting and demanding first year.

While mathematics is considered the language of science, most students view the subject as hieroglyphs, almost impossible to comprehend. However, that is not the reality. The initial fear in students mostly arises from a preconceived notion that dictates math to be a hard subject to excel in.

This fear in students gives rise to “mathophobia,” which translates to the fear of math. Conversely, this is a difficult challenge for most students. Dealing with symbols, numbers, and complex equations can get quite overwhelming. So, how can you help your child conquer the fear of mathematics? With these tips, you can help your child overcome the fear of math.

Effective Ways to Overcome Mathophobia

Check out these effective methods by which you can help your child overcome mathophobia:

Build a Strong Foundation

The first step towards helping your child is to build a strong base on the subject. Education systems emphasize building a math curriculum that builds a strong foundation for core mathematical concepts.

Additionally, beginner math concepts like addition, subtraction, timetables, and others must be gradually introduced. Mastering these basic concepts helps a great deal with more complex problems.

Complex ideas like integration or calculus must be broken down into simpler and smaller concepts. These theoretical problems must be taught through interactive activities that facilitate comprehension.

Conversely, popular online A Maths tuition uses advanced approaches by using model drawings to teach their students. Hence, all teachers (home or school) and teachers must focus on building a strong foundation for students in math.

Practice Regularly

Most students fail to understand the importance of practicing math regularly. Every subject, especially math, requires consistent practice to show results. Moreover, solving math problems regularly improves cognitive functioning and reinforces learning.

You can begin by practicing the basic concepts, learning formulas, and practicing solved questions. Then, you can move on to solving more complex problems.

Slowly, you will find with time, your performance and accuracy have progressed. Practice and consistency help build confidence and familiarity in the subject. Hence, ensure to make a schedule where you incorporate at least ninety minutes every day into math.

Solve Problems with Different Methods

Complex math problems can be solved by employing different methods. Conversely, you can use a guidebook or ask your teacher about the different ways a problem can be solved. Attempt to note down different ways to solve the same problem.

After making your own analysis with the help of your teacher, you can find out which are the easiest methods and apply them. Furthermore, this will also help you gain more math-solving skills to push your limits.

Enroll in a Math Tuition

In a class of above fifty students, it becomes almost impossible for students to grasp every concept taught in class. Math is no exception.

While self-learning is always appreciated, enrolling in an online Math’s tuition will be beneficial for students who will learn better under their tutor’s close guidance.

Conversely, a good tutor will push their students to overcome their fear of math and grasp concepts better.

Expert math tutors are the best guide for your child and will make extra effort to help your child overcome challenges. Moreover, tutors also help students plan their subjects strategically.

They also provide specific guidance strategies to tackle complex problems. With their customized teaching methods, you will soon see a visible change in your child’s performance and learning habits.

Be Confident

Confidence is key to tackling every decision in life. This could be trying on that outfit your peers made you feel insecure about or solving a math problem you thought was impossible. Solving complex math problems requires heavy analysis, trial and error.

Additionally, it also includes deriving systematic solutions and teaching you how to present these solutions logically. Being confident in yourself is vital if you want to solve equations successfully.

Stay Positive and be Patient

It is true that patience is the biggest virtue. Though we are tired of hearing this, there are vast truths in the popular advice. The same applies to students who must stay positive and confident throughout their learning process.

In many cases, students start off confidently, but as soon as they hit a pit stop, they lose patience and hope. Conversely, this leads to demotivation, and the mathophobia creeps in again.

Hence, it is paramount to stay patient and not get easily discouraged by minor setbacks.

Tip: Be kind to yourself and reward yourself after every milestone set. This way, you will stay motivated and confident throughout your learning process.

Embrace Critical Thinking

Possessing critical thinking skills or high order thinking skills (HOTS) is paramount to staying competitive in today’s academic field. Students require more cognitive processing skills to tackle any mathematical challenge.

These skills include evaluation, synthesis, and analysis, which require different teaching techniques to grasp concepts. While developing critical thinking skills takes time and effort, once you master it, academic excellence will be at your doorstep.

Apply it in Daily Life

Parents and tutors must help students apply math to tackle daily tasks. To make math easy to comprehend, you can get your child interested in it through practical applications.

You can make math fun by allowing your child to collect the change and make purchases. Furthermore, you can also have a fun cooking day at home, where you teach your child fractions or ratios by making pizza slices.

Such practical activities will make learning fun and drive the math phobia out of your child’s psyche, and you will be at peace.

Conclusion

Math phobia is a common challenge faced by students across the world. However, this does not mean you cannot overcome it and build a positive relationship with math. With the combined help of parents and tutors, your child can overcome anxiety and show exceptional confidence and take interest in the subject.

Hence, seek help from excellent math tutors who will help your child solve any math problem with ease. However, remember that overcoming this fear takes time and effort from tutors, parents, peers, and yourself. Hence, follow these strategies to overcome your mathophobia.