- Behavior
- Parenting
- Safety
Never too early to protect your young child in the cyber world
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:
1. How can parents avoid causing fear?
2. How can parents monitor devices?
These days, the popularity of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat may push you to address touchy subjects with your elementary-school-aged children sooner than you want. Cyberbullying and online predators can strike quickly. Here are some tips.
1. HOW CAN PARENTS AVOID CAUSING FEAR?
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) encourages parents to make internet safety a priority when talking to children. Their NetSmartz site offers free resources for parents, and NetSmartzKids has fun, interactive activities for elementary-school-aged kids that teach online safety through activities, e-books, games, and videos.
“Listen to your child’s concerns and talk through what they may do if they receive messages that make them feel uncomfortable or bullied. Approach conversations with your child with a sense of reassurance and be open-minded,” says Callahan Walsh, executive director of the NCMEC Florida Regional Office.
FAU Professor Sameer Hinduja shares some suggested questions from the Cyberbullying Research Center: What is your favorite app? What do you do on it? How do you keep yourself safe online?
The earlier you initiate conversations, the better off you and your kids will be if there is a crisis, the Cyberbullying Center advises.
2. HOW TO MONITOR DEVICES?
Keep internet-accessible devices in a public area in your home and turn off Wi-Fi at night. A phone limited to calls and texts is a good option for younger kids. Review your older children’s friend lists, remove any inappropriate content and photos, delete too-personal information, and report any inappropriate behavior to site administrators.
And if the unimaginable happens, and your child is missing, call 911 and then contact the NCMEC’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800–843–5678), located at NCMEC’s regional office here in Palm Beach County.
SOURCES:
Callahan Walsh, executive director, Florida Regional Office Development, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Sameer Hinduja, Florida Atlantic University professor and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center
NetSmartz: https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz
NetSmartzKids: https://www.netsmartzkids.org
CyberTipline: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline
You May Also Like
-
- Behavior
- Parenting
- Safety
Encourage your children to stand up to make a bully sit down
A key part of bullying prevention is encouraging children to speak out, not only for themselves, but also for others. One out of every three children is bullied, so read on for adv …
Read More -
- Behavior
- Education
- Health
Ages 9-11: Friendships and independence become important
Concern about body image can occur as young as 9. Early signs of puberty may arise, especially in girls. Read on for more insight from our experts about key developmental milestone …
Read More -
- Behavior
- Education
- Parenting
Is your elementary student fighting you on homework?
Setting up a schedule and routine is best for children this age, but the Palm Beach County Library System is a prime spot for help if you notice your child is struggling with assig …
Read More
Related resources
-
- Other
- Parenting
- Safety
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
NetSmartz — interactive website that teaches kids and teens how to make safer choices online
800-843-5678 Website -
- Behavior
- Education
- Safety
School District of Palm Beach County
Bullying awareness, prevention and resources
561-434-8200 Website -
- Behavior
- Health
- Other
Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches
Based in West Palm Beach, local information and services related to mental health, including support groups, referrals and an online screening test.
561-832-3755 Website Email -
- Other
- Safety
Office of State Attorney — Palm Beach County
Local county criminal prosecutors, including information and support for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and violent crimes
561-355-7100 Website Email