Skip to main content

KVC West Virginia

Online Safety 101: Teaching Kids Safe Internet Habits

online safety

Ever since its introduction into businesses, households and the education system, the internet has brought with it the power to create positive interactions and the ability to cause harm. Though the internet itself is only a tool, the user is ultimately the one deciding how it will operate. While many of us have innocent intentions while using the internet (especially children), it’s too easy to get caught up in digital dangers and forget online safety habits.

By learning the potential risks of the internet, we can help protect our children by teaching them to be aware of these dangers, allowing open communication between caregiver and child, and stepping in to provide support when they need it.

Protecting Children from Internet Dangers

Erik Nyberg, Executive Vice President of Technology – KVC Health Systems

Unless you prohibit its use entirely, there is no surefire way to completely protect your child from the dangers lurking online. However, there are ways to build awareness of these dangers and be proactive in eliminating (or at least lessening) the potential for these issues while your children are online. Ultimately, it’s about teaching children how to use the internet wisely. Erik Nyberg, President of Technology at KVC Health Systems, discusses the dangers the internet holds for children and teens and how parents and caregivers can help protect them best.

Monitoring Internet Usage 

A general but essential online safety tip for caregivers is to monitor their child’s internet usage. Know their login information, passwords and passcodes for each device and every app they use. Be aware of their online usage outside of the house and check the history on the device. And if the history is empty, it’s time to start a conversation, Nyberg advises. “The lack of information is the same as seeing something concerning.”

Filtering Inappropriate Content 

Most devices have parental controls and other settings you can adjust to add a layer of protection. Using filters within a device and an app, or by implementing specific software like Netnanny, can limit exposure to internet dangers. But beware, these filters are not always 100% effective. So while having filters in place is better than no solution at all, you will still want to monitor your child’s usage. 

Occasionally, you may want to block a website completely. Changing the host file will allow you to do this effectively. Be aware that there are different instructions depending on the operating system of a Mac or PC.

Preventing Identity Theft 

Sadly, there are people looking to steal information from vulnerable online users. Children and teens are often targets since they’re more likely to use and display personal information without fully understanding the consequences. 

Have honest discussions with your children about using or giving out personal information online, and keep the following advice in mind when using the internet: 

  • Usernames, emails and passwords shouldn’t contain real names, birth dates or addresses. 
  • Use personal information ONLY when making reputable purchases from protected sites.
  • Don’t give out passwords to friends, and use dual-factor authentication when possible. 
  • Antivirus software is a great tool: Use it on your phone, tablet and computer. 
  • Make sure pop-up blockers are enabled on the device’s browser. 

Spending Money Wisely 

online safetyCertain websites and apps connect to your personal information and may save your debit/credit card information. While this does make purchasing simpler, especially on sites where you frequently shop, it also opens up the potential for information to be stolen or for purchases to be made without permission. 

To help prevent unwanted purchases — or, even worse, sharing financial information with criminals — don’t save your card information on apps and games your child uses, or enable pin authentication with a pin code that your children don’t know. And keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements for unknown purchases. These simple steps can protect your online safety and help to safeguard your family (and your wallet) from this internet danger! 

Catching Bad Behavior and Bullying 

When dealing with a situation like cyberbullying, the more you know, the better. Your child may be the target of online bullying or they might be the bully who’s targeting others. Cyberbullying often happens for the same reasons in-person bullying happens. But it may be more frequent because it can be done anonymously. Again, monitoring your child’s activity is the best way to pinpoint any inappropriate behavior. 

If there is a sudden change in their behavior, including being secretive while online or mood changes after being online, this could be an indication of bad behavior and bullying. Stop bad behavior and bullying immediately by getting involved and taking screenshots for proof, if possible. 

There are many people with negative intentions looking to connect with unassuming children and teens. Another worry is adults grooming children and teens into an online “friendship” to exploit them sexually, emotionally or financially. Awareness is key in the prevention of grooming. Look for chats within games and frequently visited sites, and if there’s suspicious activity, you can log in as your child and see who contacts you. 

Looking Out for Internet Addiction  

Technology can be pervasive. It’s all around us all the time, and it can be difficult to disconnect. With the prevalence of screen time, it’s easier than ever to become addicted to the internet.

Since technology is used so often, it can be hard to tell if your child is addicted. Look for signs like sneaking online whenever they have the chance, not getting their chores or schoolwork done because they’re on the internet, getting angry or having trouble sleeping after disconnecting. If you’re still unsure, monitor their screen time. Though no set amount of time has been proven to indicate an addiction for kids and adolescents, a healthy amount of recreational screen time per day is two hours. Anything over that is taking away from other valuable interactions. 

Addicted or not, children need time away from the screens. Nyberg gives some helpful tips for families and recommends setting boundaries and time limits for online play. Ensure person-to-person activities are a part of their play. When screen time is happening, try to gear that time toward games that help brain development or allow you to play or watch together as a family. 

Signs that Children are Dealing with Internet Dangers

With about one in four young people being presented with hate messages online and one in three children/teens experiencing cyberbullying, there’s a high likelihood your child will face these nasty truths at some point during their time spent online. Even with protections in place, there’s no guarantee it will filter all the content flowing in, and the constant technological change means there is always a new way for dangers to present themselves. 

Children will display signs of change while dealing with cyberbullying or other online safety issues. Be on alert if your child starts exhibiting signs of bullying/abuse like: 

  • Experiencing anger or sadness after online use
  • Being secretive while online
  • Lacking self-esteem or rapid mood swings
  • Withdrawing themselves from regular activities
  • Losing their appetite
  • Presenting extra anxiety or signs of depression

Recognizing these changes in your children and teens allows you to be proactive in getting them help before matters worsen. If your child or family needs professional mental health support, KVC West Virginia provides outpatient mental health therapy services for children, families, and adults across West Virginia who are covered by Medicaid. We can provide these services in your home, in the community, at your child’s school or at your closest KVC office – whatever you’re most comfortable with.

Contact your local KVC office to learn more about our outpatient mental health therapy services.

Helping Children with Open Communication and Awareness

online safetyFamilies often thrive when they engage meaningfully with each other. By paying attention and tuning into your children’s needs, they are more likely to be open with their feelings. Creating an environment where it’s safe to openly communicate without the risk of inappropriate backlash unlocks a new level of trust that’s important when helping to protect them against internet dangers. 

Nyberg suggests setting these goals to proactively protect your children online and teach them online safety habits:

  • Use age appropriate, entertaining videos to teach kids healthy digital habits. Check out this video series for children ages 10 and under from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Each season covers a different element of online safety, from handling cyberbullying situations, recognizing and reporting safety concerns, preventing exploitation, and more.
  • Show interest. Actively engage with your children and keep an open conversation. Set a standard that lets children know you’ll be checking in on their activities, including their online activities. By staying engaged, you are helping positively shape their behaviors. 
  • Appropriate discipline. Allow children to come to you with dangers they see on the internet. Make sure they know it’s a safe space when they come to you with this information, and they won’t be punished for proactively communicating issues. 
  • Guardian/Child Pledge. By developing your own pledge or using an established contract for internet usage and online safety, you can give children and teens accountability for their online behavior. Check out these pledges that have already been created for children and teens.

Building a Safer Digital World for the Whole Family

Taking steps to actively protect children from online dangers is a small price to pay for the benefit it gives families. Staying aware, proactively monitoring, stepping in when help is needed and encouraging open communication ensures all family members are working together in the fight against internet dangers. All of this creates a healthy relationship with the online world.

Access personalized mental health support. Discover KVC's mental health therapy services.