• ​Keep your home computer in a common area
• Block access to inappropriate sites and filter web content
• Obtain passwords or “friend" your child so you can more easily monitor social media pages he or she may be visiting
  
• Setting limits on the amount of time your child spends in social media/online activities
• Use consequence, both positive and negative, when they are warranted

Internet Safety

Kids are always connected! Laptops, tablets, smart phones and iPods make the Internet accessible at any time and almost anywhere.

But whether your children are on Facebook, Pinterest or whatever popular social site pops up next month, parents need to know how to keep their kids safe while online.​

Understanding the Basics

The Internet is everywhere! Media devices play a major role in how your child gathers information and communicates with others. It is fairly common for parents to feel overwhelmed as they take on the difficult task of keeping up with constantly changing technology. While there is no specific age when a child might start using the Internet, Boys Town parenting experts suggest that parents talk to their children about Internet basics as soon as they begin to show interest. These basics include:

• Safely navigating the Internet
• Keeping passwords and personal information private
• Not sharing too much information online
• The risks of social media conversations

Protecting Your Child Online

As a parent, it is essential to explore the Internet with your child to help him or her understand its function. Establishing expectations and limits early on can help you better monitor your child's activity online. It may be impossible to totally monitor your child's Internet activity, but you can establish online rules that can help keep your child out of dangerous situations. Boys Town parenting experts recommend:

• Keeping your home computer in a common area
• Blocking access to inappropriate sites and filtering web content
• Obtaining passwords or “friending" your child so you can more easily monitor social media pages he or she may be visiting
• Setting limits on the amount of time your child spends in social media/online activities​​
  

Using Consequences

Children need consequences to learn. If your child is complying with your rules and making good decisions online, it may be time to reward that behavior by increasing his or her independence (e.g., letting your child try a new social media site, moving from knowing his or her passwords to “friending" or “following," increasing screen time or allowing access to electronic devices).

If your child is not following previously set media guidelines (time limits, visiting only websites you've approved, etc.) or if social media is becoming your child's only social outlet or way to make friends, you may need to start giving negative consequences in order to change these behaviors. Consequences can include further limiting your child's screen time or taking away electronic devices for a set amount of time. Remember, you'll want these consequences to be short-term so your child has additional opportunities to learn by getting back online with your guidance and monitoring. You may consider seeking advice from a health care professional if these consequences aren't working and your child is becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet or other social media for companionship.​