Children today grow up online, but the internet wasn't designed with their safety in mind. Parents play a crucial role in teaching children to navigate the digital world wisely.
Key Risks
- Privacy: Children may not understand the permanence of online sharing.
- Inappropriate Content: Accessing materials not suitable for their age.
- Cyberbullying: Online harassment and intimidation.
- Scams: Identity theft or manipulation through games and websites.
Strategies by Age
Young Children (Ages 5-8)
- Stay in supervised online spaces.
- Tell an adult immediately if something makes them uncomfortable.
- Do not share personal information (name, school, address).
- Understand that not everyone online is who they say they are.
Pre-Teens (Ages 9-12)
- Understand that everything online can be public and permanent.
- Learn about privacy settings.
- Recognize manipulation tactics.
- Know what to do if they encounter bullying.
Open Communication
The best protection is open and trusting communication. Create a "blame-free" zone where your child can tell you about any mistake or uncomfortable encounter without fear of punishment.
Codzilla's Role
Internet safety is woven into our technology curriculum. We teach children not just how to use technology, but how to use it wisely.
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