Parents – The Primary Protectors of Children on the Internet
26.03.2025 08:00
The internet is an integral part of a modern child's life. It offers opportunities for learning, communication, watching movies, and playing games, but at the same time, it also hides many threats. Completely shielding a child from the internet is neither possible nor necessary. A parent's task is not just to prohibit but to teach safe behavior so that the child can recognize dangers and respond to them appropriately.
What threats do children face on the internet?
Inappropriate content: Even if a child is not actively searching for anything, they may accidentally come across violent videos, disturbing images, or false information on social media or in a browser. All of this can affect their psyche and perception of the world.
Cyberbullying: Insults and harassment online can be just as harmful as in real life. Anonymous users often feel untouchable, which is why children frequently encounter mockery and aggression.
Dangerous acquaintances: It's easy to hide behind a fake profile online. Fraudsters or unscrupulous adults may pretend to be peers, manipulate children, and extract personal information.
Internet addiction: Hours spent on social media or gaming can distract from studies and real-life interactions. Over time, this can turn into a habit that is difficult to break.
What can parents do?
Talk openly with the child: Trust is key. Banning and punishing won't solve the problem, but an honest conversation will help. Explain the dangers of the internet, why protecting personal data is important, and who they can turn to if they encounter trouble.
Adjust security settings on social media: Help your child make their accounts private so that strangers cannot send messages or view their posts. Explain why sharing personal information or sending photos to strangers is unsafe.
Limit screen time: Children often don't realize how much time they spend online. Agree on reasonable limits, such as not using phones during dinner or before bedtime.
Lead by example: If adults themselves spend hours on social media, it's hard to expect different behavior from children. Try spending more time offline—go for walks, play board games, or simply have conversations.
Conclusion
A parent is not a strict controller but a helper and mentor. The earlier a child learns safe behavior online, the more confident they will feel in the digital world. The key is not to forbid but to explain and be there when it truly matters.