In today’s digital age, the Internet is integral to both adult and child lives. If you’re not living off the grid, it’s likely that you and your children engage with technology daily. Conversations among parents frequently revolve around screen time, the latest viral trends, and the right moment to give their children mobile devices. We often share tips on managing screen time and discuss video game ratings while harboring an ongoing worry: am I doing enough to ensure my children’s safety online?
February 6th marks Safer Internet Day, a global initiative encouraging all stakeholders to contribute to a safer online environment, especially for young users. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Jamie Foster, a safety expert at Facebook, about safeguarding children online. She emphasized that while Safer Internet Day is a time to reflect on safety, Facebook prioritizes this issue year-round.
Foster, who has a background in education and policy, collaborates with families to help them navigate the Internet’s benefits while ensuring their children remain protected. She encourages parents to trust their instincts when it comes to determining appropriate online activities for their kids. A recent Facebook survey revealed that 77% of parents feel confident in deciding the right age and amount of screen time for their children.
She noted that many safety skills applicable in the real world are equally relevant online. “Just as you’d teach your child to look both ways before crossing the street, it’s crucial to discuss online safety with them,” Foster explained. Engaging children in discussions about responsible online behavior from a young age can set important precedents, making it easier to establish guidelines rather than introducing them later during the teenage years.
Foster also highlighted the significance of modeling appropriate Internet usage. “When my daughter received her first phone, we agreed on a rule to put it away an hour before bedtime,” she shared. Although challenging, this practice helped set standards for responsible device usage in their household.
As a parent, I share concerns about the addictive nature of technology and the risks of cyberbullying. Fortunately, many tech companies prioritize these issues as well. Facebook offers a Bullying Prevention Hub within its Safety Center, providing resources to assist parents, teens, and educators in addressing bullying from multiple angles.
It’s essential for parents to regularly review the privacy settings on their children’s devices. For example, Facebook allows users to adjust their privacy settings to public, friends, or customized groups. They also provide a privacy check-up feature to help ensure these settings remain current.
In addition, parental controls can be activated to restrict access to certain content. However, ensuring Internet safety requires more than just ticking boxes. Foster advises that every time her daughter downloads a new app, they take the time to explore it together, discussing its features and the safety measures in place.
Ultimately, Foster reassures parents that Facebook is attentive to their concerns. After extensive discussions with families, Facebook launched Messenger Kids, a messaging app that allows children to communicate with friends and family under parental supervision. Unlike Facebook, which has a minimum age requirement of 13, Messenger Kids is designed for younger users with content curated for their age group.
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In summary, fostering a safe online environment for children involves trusting your instincts, setting clear guidelines, and engaging in open conversations. Parents are encouraged to model responsible behavior and utilize available resources to navigate the digital landscape effectively.