The outbreak of the pandemic saw a shift from classroom to online platforms as schools closed to curtail the spread of the virus.
This new dawn, however, came with an array of challenges, as millions of children found themselves spending long ours online.
Majority of parents and guardians were also caught unawares. Children were exposed to online scammers and adult content, making parenting an extremely daunting task.
The question of how to protect children online became a major concern. Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at easy ways keeping your children safe online.
- Monitor Your Children
Parents are required to monitor their children's online activity. As soon as children start accessing the internet, parents or guardians should advise them on what what to consume on the web. It is also important to know who your kids talk to when they are online.
- Choosing the Right Platform
Parents are advised to guide their children on the right platform to use when accessing the internet.
Caregivers should also have an idea of what their children want to access on the internet so that they can give them permission to use the internet.
- Encourage your child to share concerns with you
Parents should share their concerns with the child and encourage them to always access secure online platforms.
Be interested in knowing what your children is doing online. Help them issues of safety at an early age.
- Teach your child Online Internet Safety
Parents should discuss internet safety with their children and develop an online safety plan. It's important for parents to make clear guidelines that will teach children to flag harmful sites. Let your children know sites to avoid and why.
- Teach your child to report internet concerns to authorities
Parents should teach their children to navigate online platforms and report internet concerns. Children should master online etiquette to prevent them from being exposed to scammers
6. Balance their online engagement with physical activities
Too much of something is poisonous. Parents are advised to balance their children's online engagement and physical activities.
Parents can come up with a media plan to help control the time their children are online. They are also advised to allow their children to regularly exercise.
