The internet offers children incredible educational opportunities and a chance to connect with other kids around the world, but it’s also rife with inappropriate content. While you may not be able to control what other people put online, some diligence and high-tech tools from your internet service provider can help protect your kids from violence and sexually explicit content. Below are a few tips for keeping your children safe when they’re online.

How to Protect Your Kids on the Internet

1. Talk to Them About Their Online Usage

You’ve probably warned your children about talking to strangers on the street, but many parents forget to have similar conversations about online activity. If your kids are under 10 years old, make sure they know not to chat with strangers online and to never reveal their name, phone number, or other personal details in online public forums.

To make sure your children understand the risks, offer age-appropriate explanations of why this behavior can be dangerous. For example, they’re under 10 years old, prohibit them from creating profiles on social media platforms to discourage dangerous people from contacting them.

2. Monitor Their Online Activity

Most kids these days have a cell phone or tablet, which can make monitoring internet activity extremely difficult. For very young kids, keep all internet-capable devices in one area where you can keep an eye on what they’re doing.

You might also consider setting devices to forget the Wi-Fi password so your kids have to ask for permission before getting online. As they age, check their browser history to make sure they’re following the rules.

3. Use Parental Control Technology

Web browsers, internet service providers, and third-party developers offer a variety of parental control services that block inappropriate content. This keeps violence, mature content, and other sites you don’t want your children to see from showing up in innocent search results. This technology is ideal for children of all ages, as you can tailor parental controls as your little ones age.

As a trusted internet service provider in Jersey County, IL, Grafton Technologies, Inc. keeps families throughout the region connected to the world. Their state-of-the-art network includes a variety of tools that provide parents with peace of mind and create a safer online environment for their kids. Visit their website to browse their internet packages and services, and then call (618) 639-4841 to sign up for the best package that suits your needs.