Ask the Experts: Internet Safety for Elementary-Age Children

What are some simple internet safety rules every elementary-age child should know?

In today’s digital world, parents face the ongoing challenge of keeping their children safe online. We want our children to embrace technology and use it to learn, connect, and grow. But to do that safely, they must also understand the potential dangers that lurk online.

One of the most important steps in protecting your child is building a strong relationship rooted in trust and open communication. When children feel comfortable talking with you, they are more likely to come to you when something online (or in real life) makes them feel confused, uncomfortable, or unsafe.

To help your child navigate the digital world safely, make sure they understand these important safety guidelines:

• Keep private information private. Never share full names, addresses, passwords, or school names with others.
• Only message and chat with people you know in real life. Never meet up with someone you only know online. If an online contact asks to meet you in person, tell a trusted adult right away.
• Always ask permission before downloading apps, games, videos, or files.
• No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable online. If you feel uncomfortable, talk to a trusted adult.
• Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others online the same way you would like to be treated in real life.
• Everyone has a Technology Tail. Everything you post online sticks to your tail forever. “T.H.I.N.K. B4U Post!” (Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?) If someone sends you something that does not pass the T.H.I.N.K. test, delete it so it does not become part of your Technology Tail.
• Balance your life wins. It is often easier to succeed in a game than in real life, but real-life accomplishments can bring lasting pride and satisfaction. Make time for both on-screen activities and real-world experiences.

Digital safety is a high-speed, ever-evolving challenge. As parents, we will never know it all, but we must do all we can to know enough. 

Giving a child unsupervised online access is like handing an 8-year-old the keys to a car. They may know how to make it move, but they do not yet have the experience or judgment to navigate every hazard they will encounter. While we can’t remove every risk from the road ahead, we can help them learn the rules, recognize the dangers, and travel more safely.

For more insights from bestselling author Julia Cook, follow @juliacookonline on Facebook and Instagram or visit her website.