Kids, especially teens, have many different electronic devices that they use to communicate with others. Due to the advancement of technology, children have a lot more freedom and can hide things online and in other places where parents cannot see them. The bad thing is that children of all ages can hide things, no matter how young they might be. As a result, it is easy for devious adults to target unsuspecting children. There are many people who will try to take advantage of our children and trick them into giving out personal information that they should have locked down. Your child also may be the victim of cyber bullying, or may be the cyber bully.
There are adults who like to prey on innocent children. There are even teenagers who have devious intentions and have gotten personal info from children. They have also gotten pictures that should have never been seen by others. These pictures may have been very personal. Knowing what your children are sharing with others on their phones and on the internet is a huge part of being a good parent in this day and age.
In order to do this you might have to do some things that they do not like. This means inspecting their online and phone accounts from time to time. You can do this while actually logged into their accounts or just viewing the information that is on their accounts. You have to know what your children are sharing on the social media sites.
Your children might think that you are invading their privacy. They will most definitely dislike when you check their phone and internet history. You can always just install private software that stops them from sharing certain information with others. There is some software of this nature that will not let you to send an address via phone numbers. This helps a little bit. But, if someone wants to do wrong they will find a way to do it and children are no exception. Make it a point to check your child’s phone to make sure that you know what he or she is sharing with others.
You have to tell your child what you are doing. You also have to perform your checks on a frequent basis. Know who their existing friends are. Also, be aware of how they are communicating with and staying in contact with these friends. Know what type of information is being transferred. Talk to your children and try to meet and talk to their friends as well. This will give you a chance to find out more about their friends.
It is imperative that you are an active part of your children’s lives. Keep up with their friends. Know what is going on in your children’s lives. Talk to them and make sure that they are safe. Understand that the only way to do this will involve making unpopular decisions, but this is what a good parent does.
