Child protection on the internet (2020) - 10 golden rules for parents

From games to music, videos and scientific work, everything you can imagine is included.

But it is also lurking Internet dangers for children.

According to a study, 5% of 9-16 year olds said they were victims of cyberbullying. 12% admitted have had negative experiences that hurt them.

We want to help your children to open up the interesting world of the Internet without them:

have negative experiences
do not click on unsuitable websites

Here is a list of tips that you can use to protect your children from the dangers lurking on the Internet.

Rule 1: Speak openly about the dangers of the Internet

It is very important that you treat your children openly. Talk to them openly about the dangers lurking on the Internet (here is a video).

The issue of privacy is particularly relevant here.

Explain to your children what privacy is and that they have to respect the privacy of others while being careful not to open too much of their own privacy.

Explain to your children that there are bad people on the Internet who can do bad things to them if they open up too much of their privacy and reveal too much private data.

What do the kids think about it?

Speak openly to your children about these things and they are prepared for the dangers of the Internet.

Rule 2: Check your kids’ apps

It is important that you keep an overview of your children’s activities online. This applies in particular to the apps your children use.

Make sure that your children cannot simply download and install any apps from the Internet.

It is best to create an account with an app store together with you and keep the password.

Tell your child that you will buy an app together with them if your child wants to buy an app and make sure that the apps are safe and do not spread any negative content for your children.

You can also set restrictions.

Rule 3: Monitor the time your children spend on the Internet

Make sure your kids don’t spend too much time online. But don’t just forbid using the Internet.

This will only result in your children secretly using the network and no longer trusting you.

Arrange she with Your children have fixed times for using the Internet.
Depending on the age of your child, the time you spend online should be between 1 and 2 hours a day.
It doesn’t matter if your kids spend time online.

However, it should not be more than 3 hours. You can set this on smartphones.

Unless your child is already a teenager. In this case it can be more hours.

Rule 4: Secure the web browser

Make your children’s browser safe for web surfing.

Most browsers offer security programs for children that block all dangerous content from the web.

Credit card numbers are only secure if you see this green lock on the side (next to the address):

You can also block individual pages that you think are not suitable for your children. If you also install a firewall, the browser secures it against dangerous viruses and Trojans.

You should definitely secure this to protect your child.

Rule 5: Set up a separate account for your child

Set up a special profile for your child on the computer of the house or child.

In this way you can specify exactly which programs your child can use and which not:

install a child-proof web browser
make settings for the most important websites your child uses.

This way you can ensure that your child does not use any programs that are harmful to its development.

Rule 6: switch off webcam and microphone

It is best to turn off your computer’s webcam and microphone when your child is surfing the web.

This way you can be sure that your child is not watching or listening. This may sound a little paranoid, but sure is safe.

Rule 7 Pay attention to your child’s behavior

Watch your child’s behavior and watch for changes.

Pay attention to whether it is sad or getting angry or retreating to his child’s room.

Talk to your child if necessary and ask if there were any problems on the Internet. Children are often shy and ashamed of themselves, so be sensitive and act with great sensitivity when you speak to your child about these issues.

Rule 8: Show interest in your child’s activities

Stay alert and show interest in your child’s activities online.

It is important that your child trusts you and can come to you with questions and problems, that applies not only to normal life but in particular also for your child’s life on the net.

A good conversation can prevent many problems and is also generally good for the relationship with your child.

Rule 9: Warn your child about evil people

On the Internet there are many bad people who hunt for children.

Tell your child that there are bad people on the web and that they should be careful with whom you chat with.

Also tell your child that it is not to date people who don’t know it. So you and your child are definitely on the safe side.

Rule 10: Remind your child of the offline world

There is a risk that your child spends too much time online. This is not good for your child’s development.

DIVSI conducted the following parent survey:

Remind your child that there is an offline world in addition to the Internet, which has many great and beautiful things ready.

Show your child the beautiful things this world has to offer and encourage your child to spend time on things that have nothing to do with social media and video games.

It is best to go outside with your child and spend time offline together.