Back to school season is here which is a good time to check-in with your child about internet safety and social media savvy.
Nowadays preparing for the school year means more than writing out a school supply list according to Katie Greer, a former intelligence analyst for the Massachusetts State Police Department, who's been teaching internet safety for several years.
The biggest mistake parents can make when it comes to their child and internet safety is to take a completely hands-off approach by saying this is way too tough for me, too complicated for me, and I hope they do the right thing.
Greer spoke with WGBH's Morning Edition host Bob Seay about the generational difference between the way school-age kids use smartphones and the way their parents do.
Greer says, "it's a big challenge facing parents right now, but it's no different than what parents in past generations have been facing. The newest issue comes along, the latest problem whether it's drugs or drinking or internet usage, and parents need to face the issue head-on, only use a couple of modern tools."
There are several ways to make sure your child stays safe while using their smartphone, internet or the newest technology which can be a great educational and social tool when used the right way.
Parent Internet Safety Checklist:
What can parents do:
According to Greer, “the biggest mistake parents can make when it comes to their child and internet safety is to take a completely hands-off approach by saying this is way too tough for me, too complicated for me and I hope they do the right thing.” She says parents shouldn’t take the ostrich in the sand approach, and bury their head in the sand and say I hope it all goes well.
For the children, Greer says, “kids need to understand how their footprint on the internet in terms of the things they do, say and search is long, lasting and that can be a good and bad thing. Students need to make sure the things they're posting and saying is positive and constructive and not destructive because it will follow a student forever
She encourages constant conversation with your child about the activity they have on the internet. She says parents should behave in a way similar to how they would approach when their child is leaving the house: have them check-in frequently. Ask them questions such as who they’re communicating with online, what apps they’re using, etc.
Greer says approach internet safety the way you would every single aspect of their life to make sure they’re behaving appropriately and responsibility since children’s decision-making skills are not always fully developed at young ages.
To listen to the entire interview with internet security expert Katie Greer click on the audio file above.
