Keeping Our Kids Safe in Our Digital World- Takeaways

By Andrea Young on June 15, 2023

Almost everyone uses the internet in some capacity, and it can be a helpful tool. But if not used properly, it can be dangerous. Technology and the internet are constantly changing, so we are grateful to have Katie Greer back to talk to us about digital safety and how we and our loved ones can have safe and productive experiences with the internet.

It’s not all doom and gloom

We hear a lot about the negative side of the internet but not always the positive. The internet allows you to stay connected, whether it’s with family, friends, school or work. We learned this firsthand during the pandemic. It can also be a learning tool that allows you to discover new things or travel to places you might not have known about. 

Talk to your kids

Talking to your kids early and often about the dangers of the internet is vital. Just like we tell our children not to talk to strangers in person, we must emphasize that it also applies to the internet. Tell them they can come to you if they experience something uncomfortable or scary.

For many of us, the internet wasn’t around when growing up. Imagine going through your awkward years and having it documented, sometimes without your consent or knowledge. Teaching your kids to ask for and give consent is so important. The internet is forever, so explain to them that whatever they put out there may be seen by employers or schools and can negatively impact opportunities in their future. 

Set boundaries

Whether it’s the amount of screen time or access to apps, set ground rules. Parental controls are a tool that lets you limit access on devices. Studies show how detrimental the internet can be to children (and adults) and their sleep habits. Create a time at night in which devices must be off. You can even take it a step further by not allowing devices in rooms at night. Create ‘tech-free’ times like at dinner, where you can actively engage with loved ones. As the saying goes, ‘practice what you preach’, so model good behavior for your children. 

Additional Resources

KL Greer Consulting- www.klgreer.com

NPR Article- “How to help young people limit screen time — and feel better about how they look”

SLATE Article- “What Social Media Really Does to Kids’ Brains”

The New York Times Article- “How Parents Can Actually Help Teens Navigate Social Media”

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