Dear Parents,
As the new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to talk to your children about online safety. The internet is a wonderful resource, but it also comes with risks, especially with the rise of AI, social media, and deepfakes. Here are 10 tips to help guide your conversation:
1. Start with Open Communication
Let your children know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns about what they encounter online. Ask them about the apps and websites they use. For example, “What’s your favorite app right now? What do you like about it?” This approach opens the door to ongoing, honest dialogue.
2. Explain AI and Deepfakes in Simple Terms
Tell your kids that technology can now create fake videos and images that look very real, like a celebrity saying something they never actually said. Show them an example and explain that not everything online is as it seems. Encourage them to always question whether something is real before believing or sharing it.
3. Set Clear Boundaries Together
Work with your children to set up internet rules that make sense for your family. Maybe it’s no phones during meals or limiting screen time to an hour after homework is done. Clear and consistent rules help kids understand the balance between online fun and offline responsibilities.
4. Teach Critical Thinking
Encourage your children to be detectives when they’re online. For instance, if they see a headline like “World’s Largest Cat Found!”, ask them to think about whether it could be true. Teach them to check if the story is from a trustworthy site or just clickbait.
5. Discuss the Risks of Sharing Personal Information
Explain why it’s important not to share personal information online, like their school’s name or their location. You could say, “Just like you wouldn’t give your address to a stranger on the street, you shouldn’t share it online either.”
6. Promote Positive Online Behavior
Talk to your children about the importance of kindness online. Ask them how they would feel if someone left a mean comment on their photo. Remind them that words online can hurt just as much as words in person and that it’s important to treat others with respect.
7. Stay Involved in Their Social Media Use
Keep an eye on the social media platforms they’re using. Maybe you could follow each other on Instagram or TikTok. This isn’t about spying—it’s about staying connected and helping them navigate these spaces safely.
8. Teach the Importance of Privacy Settings
Go through privacy settings together on their social media accounts. Show them how to make their accounts private and discuss why it’s important to only connect with people they know in real life.
9. Encourage Reporting and Blocking
Let your children know it’s okay to block someone who makes them uncomfortable or to report inappropriate content. Remind them that they should always come to you if something doesn’t feel right online. Say something like, “If anyone ever makes you feel weird online, please tell me right away. We’ll handle it together.”
10. Stay Informed About Online Trends
Keep yourself updated on the latest apps and games. For instance, if your child mentions a new game, take a few minutes to look it up together. Understanding what they’re into helps you guide them more effectively and shows them that you’re interested in their world.
By keeping these tips in mind and having regular, open conversations, you can help your children enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe and informed. We’re all in this together, and your involvement makes a big difference.
Take care of yourself and your family.
-Dr Hurt
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