If you’re not completely off the grid, it’s likely that both you and your child are navigating the vast landscape of the Internet. Nowadays, many of my discussions with fellow parents revolve around technology, screen time, and online safety. We chuckle about the latest viral trends on video platforms, fret over the right age to hand our kids their first smartphone, and exchange tips on screen time limits and game ratings. But there’s always that lingering concern: am I doing enough to protect my child?
February 6 marks Safer Internet Day, a global initiative urging everyone to contribute to a safer online environment, especially for young users. I had the opportunity to speak with the team at Facebook—an essential platform for many families—about how to enhance online safety.
“Safer Internet Day is a reminder to focus on online safety, but at Facebook, we prioritize this every day,” said Lisa Morgan, Facebook’s Global Safety Director. As a mother and former educator, Morgan is committed to helping families navigate the benefits of the Internet while ensuring their children remain secure.
When it comes to keeping kids safe online, Morgan emphasizes that parents should trust their instincts. A recent Facebook survey revealed that 77% of parents believe they are best suited to decide the appropriate age and amount of online engagement for their children.
Morgan explains that many offline safety principles apply online as well. “Just as you teach your kids to look both ways before crossing a street, you should discuss online safety with them,” she noted. Starting these conversations early makes it easier to establish and reinforce boundaries regarding technology, rather than introducing rules during the teenage years when it may be met with resistance.
Being a positive role model for responsible Internet use is crucial, though Morgan acknowledges that it’s a challenge. “When my child received her first phone, we agreed to put our devices away an hour before bedtime,” she shared. “It wasn’t easy, but it set a standard for our family on responsible online behavior.”
As a parent, I worry not only about the addictive nature of technology but also the threat of cyberbullying. Thankfully, many tech companies are taking this issue seriously. Facebook, for instance, has a Bullying Prevention Hub within its Safety Center, providing resources to help parents, teens, and educators address these challenges.
It’s wise for parents to regularly review privacy settings on their children’s devices. For Facebook, you can choose privacy settings such as public, friends only, or customized groups. They also offer a privacy check-up feature that encourages regular updates to ensure settings are current.
Parental controls can be implemented to restrict access to certain types of content. However, online safety requires more than just ticking off boxes.
Morgan also offers practical advice: when her daughter installs new apps, she encourages her to demonstrate how they work. This dialogue allows for a deeper understanding of the app’s features and any necessary safeguards.
Ultimately, Morgan assures parents that Facebook is listening. After engaging with thousands of caregivers, Facebook recently introduced Messenger Kids, an app designed for children to communicate with friends and family in a controlled environment, with parents overseeing content and age-appropriate interactions.
For fellow parents, Morgan stresses that discussions about online safety should start as soon as possible. “It’s never too early to begin these conversations,” she stated.
As for me, I need to have a chat with my son about the apps he downloaded last weekend. And if you’re interested in exploring more topics around family planning, check out our post on the at home insemination kit, which also touches on important issues related to parenting.
In summary, engaging in open conversations about online safety, modeling responsible behavior, and utilizing available tools can significantly enhance the security of your child’s online experience. For more insightful resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Healthline.
Keyphrase: online safety for children
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