Teens will inevitably spend time online. Not only is there the social pull of social media platforms but schools are using laptops and tablets to enable school work too. No matter how hard you try to keep them away from the dangers of being present online, it’s far better to communicate with them and equip them to deal with it themselves.
So, how do you make sure your teen is equipped for using the internet responsibly? Take a look at this quick guide.
Talk About Everything
Try and keep the lines of communication open with your teen. It’s not always easy but it’s better than not talking at all. Tell your teen about the kind of threats that being online can present.
Although it may be uncomfortable for you both, talk about online predators, sexting, sending pictures, and more. Remind them that they should make sure they know who they’re talking to and give examples of consequences for mistakes made online.
Use a VPN
It’s normal these days for teens to carry smartphones or other devices around with them wherever they go. There are some advantages to that; for instance, being able to contact your teen or track them when they’re not with you. However, there are some big disadvantages too.
For example, if your teen logs into social media and creates a post containing a location, it’s easy for predators to find them. Using a VPN is a good way to keep this information disclosed so your teen is safe when using a phone. Search for the best VPN for Android and you’ll see a number of choices.
Parental Controls
As a parent or guardian, you have some control over what your teen does online. For instance, you can ban any exposure to inappropriate content. You can also block some ads so your teen isn’t tempted to click on links that could lead to something they shouldn’t see.
You can also utilize software that can be downloaded on your teens devices. This software is designed to keep your teen as safe as possible without you having to spy on what your teen is doing.
Set Boundaries
It’s easy to get distracted online and spend more time on social media or playing games than necessary. Too much time online can lead to poor emotional, mental, and physical health for teens. It can help to set time limits and discuss boundaries.
For example, homework must be finished before spending any time online. Avoid using time on a device as a reward or your teen will ultimately want to spend more time on it.
Connect With Your Teen Online
One of the best ways to keep an eye on your teen online is to connect with them. Be friends on social media, join Whatsapp chats, watch TikTok videos, and more. Using your teens preferred method of contact is a good way to stay connected and informed about what’s going on in your teens life.
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