Four Strategies to Safeguard Your Children’s Online Safety at Home
Your children may be spending more and more time online while you become increasingly baffled by what appears to be an ever-evolving online ‘thing’. But what can we do if we have no idea what they’re up against?
Technology can have both good and bad sides, evidenced by the need for online safety protocols. But with the appropriate tech can come solutions for any problems.
Protecting your device, protecting children from certain content or simply protecting their eyes from long-term screen use are all top priorities – here are a few key points you may wish to remember when protecting them online.
Limit Screen Time
We all make mistakes in terms of overindulging in screen time – including parents! If you want to set limits around how much screen time your kids spend, try choosing an hour when all electronics will be put away for an uninterrupted session of reading or other fun activities.
Optus has introduced Optus Pause, an Australian first. This innovative solution allows customers to pause eligible mobile and home connections across devices from within My Optus app.
Make the switch back to reality: initiate a curfew or plan family dinners without connected devices by using an app feature like this to give everyone the nudge needed to put down their devices and reengage with reality.
Home computer security should always come first. Optus WiFi Secure from cybersecurity software company McAfee provides essential protection in this respect.
Optus WiFi Secure protects all devices connected to an Optus modem against online threats like malware and attempts at accessing your home WiFi network – this includes baby monitors, smart phones, tablets, computers and home security systems.
“Having some type of barrier between your internet connection and sites your children visit helps protect everyone,” states Shashwat Khandelwal, Cybersecurity Expert from McAfee.
WiFi Secure is now included with all Optus Family Internet Plans, or can be added as an add-on for other eligible nbn plans.
As part of your efforts to safeguard against online attacks, it can also be helpful to review protective passwords as well as what types of emails, links and downloads to avoid.
Teach cyber safety literacy
Take an active and ongoing approach to raising your children’s awareness of what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour.
Most parents teach their kids to identify threats in the physical world; but don’t forget this can also apply in cyberspace.
“Predators often target minors via social networks, gaming platforms and apps,” according to Shashwat.
“These predators often pose as peers, using fake pictures and creating false profiles to chat online with children. They establish trust with children through subtle means like grooming and mirroring.”
“To protect your child online from predators, have regular and honest discussions with your child about how predators might attempt to connect with them online. Be their source for sharing any worries.”
Ideal the Physical Set-Up Online safety is paramount; but physical safety online can often be neglected!
Protecting your child’s eyes, back, neck, hands and any other body functions that could become compromised due to prolonged computer usage is of the utmost importance.
Start by making sure your child’s desk is ergonomic. Have them perform posture and strength exercises to strengthen the spine and to support correct sitting habits at their desk, with head, shoulders, elbows, backs and hands all being appropriately aligned.
Encourage frequent breaks. Although we want our children to complete their homework assignments, they shouldn’t spend hours sitting still without moving around or stretching. Movement and exercise is particularly vital for eye health; even when sitting at a screen for long hours it is wise to look away occasionally for at least a minute so our eyes don’t tire or become lazy.
