Now that we’ve learned more about general technology use, the next question is, “Is my child safe on the internet?” During the elementary school years, it’s important to consider your child’s developmental level as well as their individual temperament and needs. If you have a child with ADHD or other neurodivergent diagnoses, understanding how your child’s brain works will need to be part of internet safety planning. Some children are “rule followers” and others are more impulsive or deliberately take risks without truly understanding or predicting the potential consequences.
For children and pre-teens, adults can implement a two-pronged strategy for internet safety:
1.Utilize internet controls and monitors that will restrict inappropriate sites and allow the adult to monitor what their child is doing online on a computer, tablet or cell phone. After some research, experts agree the the current best app for this type of monitoring is BARK. It has different tiers of monitoring for mobile devices and there is an add-on for at home internet use. Have children use their devices in a common area of the home. At night, devices can be charged in a safe place (outside their bedroom) to encourage healthy sleep habits.
2.At the same time we are restricting and monitoring internet use, we can also educate our children to make safe choices. At some point in the future, they will have more freedom, and the information they have learned over the years will prepare them to be independent teens and adults. It is possible to teach children internet safety without causing unnecessary anxiety. A conversation opener could begin, “The internet is an amazing, entertaining and informative connection to the whole world, all at once. Because most people browse the internet behind a keyboard, people can pretend to be anyone they want, and unfortunately, there are some who use the internet to cause harm.” Teach your children to never share identifying details with anyone online, even if they believe they know them personally. This includes their real name, age, school, address, birth date, photos, etc. When your child finishes rolling their eyes after this conversation, remind them again that not everyone online is who they say they are and there are many examples of children being manipulated by someone they thought they could trust.
