Staying safe online should always be the top priority of parents in this modern digitally connected world. Just like how you teach your kids the basics of security and safety like looking both ways before crossing the street or not talking to strangers, they also need to know how to stay private and safe when using their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices.

The first and most important step of early education for kids is to teach them to stop and think before they connect. Educational technology for kids involves teaching them the necessary safety measures, the consequences of every action they make, and how they should connect in such a way that safeguards themselves and their families.

Keep Talking and Start Early as Soon as Possible

Most kids today get their first internet-connected device like phones or tablets way before they can even understand the power they have in their hands. You need to change your parenting as technology also changes. Make sure you stay updated with the newest trends and technology kids should learn to keep up with these.

Learn and Engage Together

It is more likely for your kids to stay online longer than you do. You can use it to your advantage to spend time with them, learn, and bond together. Set boundaries and use passwords for downloads and other privileges. Inform them of both risks and reputations.

Communicate and Monitor

Communicate what can be considered as respectable and acceptable online posts for themselves and other people. Check what your kids post as often as possible. Make sure they know that their pictures and posts on their social network will be available to their future schools and employers.

Protect Their Location and Identity

Remind your kids never to share any form of personal details online such as their age, last name, address, phone number, school, and other similar information. Talk about strangers and disable photo geotagging.

Respect Age Ratings

Never lie on behalf of your kid every time they wish to download an app, buy a game, or join a social networking site. The age ratings have been put in place to keep your kid protected from all forms of inappropriate content.

Set Rules

Make sure there are written rules when it comes to usage times. Keep an eye out on devices as often as possible. The family computer should always be in the open or the screen should face common areas. There should always be a central station for charging where all the portable devices will be left at night.

Teach Privacy and Passwords

Help your kids password-protect all their online accounts and mobile devices. Teach them the importance of creating and not sharing passwords, and how to make them.

Update, Backup, and Protect

All programs, anti-virus apps, operating systems, and internet browsers must be updated regularly. Have a cloud-based or external backup system to save documents and photos if ever the device gets compromised.

Explain the Consequences of Sexting

If your kids are already in their teenage years, see to it that they are aware of legal implications. They must also understand that the moment a photo leaves their hands, it will be out there online forever, and can affect their relationships, reputation, and their future as a whole.

As a parent, it is important to always be proactive. By keeping, a close eye on your kids and how they use technology, you can ensure their safety round the clock, and at the same time, give them the chance to enjoy the perks of tech to the fullest!