Internet Safety: The Most Worthy of Headaches

 

Fraboom Expert Victoria

When I got my first email addresses(big deal!), my mom talked to me about internet security and how I was never to talk to anyone I didn’t know online; but the idea of being careful around someone who wasn’t even in the same room as me seemed preposterous. When I asked her why, she then explained that you just never know. You never know who it really is or what they’re really doing.

In a recent survey by the Family Online Safety Institute, you parents showed that you are actively aware of your child’s use of the internet. Of the parents polled, 93% had set some sort of rule or limitation to their child’s use of the computer. Of those parents, 79% set the rule that their child must use the computer in a common area of the house. This is a great start and a simple, non-scary reminder to your kids that even as they’re getting more comfortable online, there are still rules and accountability. However, Only 36% of parents were concerned about their children providing too much personal information online.

Kids are not as skeptical as they should be when online because they feel safe in their own homes. While we want our children to feel safe at home we want them to be cautious when they explore the online world. We need to remind our kids that while they may physically still be under their roof they have entered another world that has very real dangers. This problem is especially true for elementary school kids who are still gaining wisdom and learning discernment—and they will tell a listening ear everything about themselves unless you warn them not to. When we get excited, our judgment slips. Otherwise, how do you explain Star Trek Conventions? So make online safety a regular family topic for conversation.

Even if you’ve already talked about safety in internet activities for kids and they roll their eyes saying, “I know!” they still need to be reminded. Consider how many times you’ve told them to clean their room, or wear deodorant. How’s that workin’ out for you? Talk about internet safety a lot and set clear standards and expectations. My parents always used phrases like, “This is what our family does or doesn’t do,” and that helped because I never had to explain myself to my friends who thought I was being a baby.  Because, like we discussed earlier, excitement leads to bad decisions, which leads to Fast and the Furious 6, which, I’m not even kidding, is currently in production.

           Now seems like a real great time to mention that each and every one of our Fraboom live events is COPA compliant and follows children’s internet safety laws down to the smallest detail. Every Fraboom teacher passes a background check before they’re put in front of the camera, and we are frequently monitored. On all counts, Fraboom is 100% safe and sound!

The Never Tell List(This is the standard we keep at Fraboom and we recommend this list for your home!):
Never share your last name or last initial.
Never share your birthday.
Never share what school you go to.
Never share what grade you’re in.
Never share your phone number.
Never share what state you’re in.
Never share your address or zip code.

Your children may already know about internet safety, but it is very important that they are continually reminded about the details surrounding their safety online. Keep reminding them what it is you expect of them when they are online. Keep that conversation coming and that way we can all work to a world where excitement doesn’t have to lead to poor choices (how exactly do you return a Shake Weight?).