How to Protect Your Children’s Privacy When Gaming Online
As the internet becomes more widespread and commonplace around the world, toddlers and children of all ages have begun utilizing it for a variety of purposes. From learning about space to completing homework, the internet has become the new norm in terms of education and entertainment. If you have children, protecting their online privacy can seem tricky, stressful, and overwhelming. However, it is possible to help your child navigate the internet without losing your peace of mind.
Teach Them the Importance of Privacy
Open communication is vital when raising children and teaching them the importance of privacy, especially as they begin to learn to read and browse the internet independently. Discussions on privacy and safety in the family are always beneficial when helping children to better understand the risks and potential dangers online.
Secure Their Identity
Protecting your child’s identity begins with frank discussion, strong passwords, and the ability to avoid potential peer pressure, especially when speaking to strangers online. Talk to your child about choosing, storing, and saving passwords and why it is important to avoid sharing passwords with others, even if they are someone your child knows. If your child is over the age of 13 but has browsed the internet throughout their entire life, consider requesting a credit report to ensure that their identity has not been used, stolen, or compromised. There’s a unique process for checking a minor’s credit report online. Obtaining a minor’s credit report who is over the age of 13 is possible by going directly to the major credit score bureau including Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
Use Trackers or Tracking Apps
Install a website monitoring program or a parental control program on your child’s computer or any device they use to access the internet. Tracking web activity can help you to learn more about how your child navigates the internet and the type of content they are reading, words they are typing and content they are consuming regularly.
When you feel confident in your ability to protect and secure your child’s identity whenever they are online, you are less likely to feel anxious and fearful whenever your child accesses the internet. With the knowledge of how to properly and effectively protect and secure your child’s privacy online, you can allow your child to explore the many positives and wonders the internet has to offer while still maintaining your peace of mind.
