1. Unrestricted communication: Maintaining open communication with your child is vital for protecting them from online predators, who often target those feeling lonely or insecure. Praggati Rao, a psychologist and neurological transformation coach, emphasises the significance of educating kids about the risks of sharing personal information on social media.
2. Set up computers in a shared spaces: Praggati advises keeping computers in visible areas, avoiding laptops in private rooms. Monitoring your child's online activity is crucial, as many social media platforms are used by younger users despite age restrictions. If your child has online friends, make it a point to inquire about them.
3. Encourage privacy with selfies and personal information Guide your child to be cautious about sharing intimate pictures and personal details online. Suggest using gender-neutral usernames and avoiding personal photos while gaming. Remind them to prioritise their comfort and trust their instincts in online interactions.
4. Consider installing monitoring software While the goal isn’t to invade your child's privacy, staying informed about their online activities is important. Monitoring software can help you oversee connected devices and set usage schedules. Also, utilise built-in parental controls to boost their online safety.
Occasionally check the device's browsing history to understand your child's searches and watch for suspicious activity, such as deleted history.
As Rao states, “We must strike a balance between the virtual world and reality. Just as we hand-hold them in various other phases of life, they need the same from us here as well.”