High-speed internet access allows you and your children to access a vast array of content, both for education and entertainment. While the internet can offer incredible opportunities for your children to expand their minds, it can also expose them to predators, identity thieves, and unsavory content. To ensure that your children are using the internet wisely, be sure to educate them about some of the most common online threats.

A Guide to Internet Safety for Children

1. Install Filters

Internet filters keep your children away from inappropriate content by excluding websites that contain specific words or images. This can ensure that they are not exposed to violent content, predatory behavior, or pornography. While many new filter programs are incredibly useful, none are 100% effective, so you should still carefully monitor your children’s internet activity to ensure they are navigating to safe websites.

2. Tell Them Not to Talk to Strangers

The internet may seem like a safe way to meet strangers from the security of your own home, but predators know how to manipulate children into dangerous situations. Make sure your children understand the risks of chatrooms and social media and remind them to avoid talking with anyone they don’t know in real life. Be sure to emphasize that they can come to you if they are being contacted or harassed by someone they do not know on the internet.

3. Monitor Their Web Activity

Keeping an eye on your child’s internet access and web activity is the best way to keep them safe. Very young children shouldn’t be allowed online without parental supervision, but you should consider monitoring your older kids’ activity as well. Ask who they’ve been talking to, check their browsing history, and keep “safe browsing” mode turned on.

4. Teach Children About Privacy

Predators and scam artists are highly skilled at getting children to hand over sensitive information, like their name, address, and social security number. Make sure your children know to never give details to anyone who asks and to avoid filling out website profiles that ask for this type of information.

As the leading internet access provider in Ohio’s Auglaize County, TSC delivers reliable, low-cost service to homes throughout the region. They pride themselves on their wide range of phone, TV, and internet packages, with options designed to suit any family’s needs. Visit their website to learn more about their internet access services, follow their Twitter for more tips and advice, or call (419) 739-2200 today to speak with a member of their team and sign up for services.