By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
It is undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way children use the Internet, specifically the length of time they spend online. Coupled with this prolonged online exposure is the inevitable risk to which they may be exposed.
Interestingly since the advent of the pandemic, the UNICEF Philippines revealed that children have become one of the top consumers of the internet today, be it for learning, entertainment, or socialization. But what should make us concerned is the fact that children use the internet without proper supervision from their parents who are also busy with their work and household chores.
This precarious situation at home makes the children vulnerable to online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and risky online behavior―problems that have always persisted since the start of the internet era.
Cognizant of the danger that the children face, the UNICEF shares some ways for the parents can configure the setting of their devices to ensure that their children are safe from inappropriate and suspicious content online.
Know parental controls of social media sites
Many social media platforms can filter sensitive content. Read the community guidelines and FAQs of these platforms and maximize them for your child’s protection. An additional option would be using third-party security software that can enable specific settings such as blocking of specific words, images, and other multimedia content that may lure their children.
Avail filtering services from internet service providers (ISPs)
Parents can also try asking their ISPs if they offer filtering services. While it does not exactly protect users from computer viruses or malware, filtering services help block access to internet sites that have illegal or inappropriate content. Some ISPs have been oriented on child-friendly business practices and are doing measures to ensure children’s safety online.
Put password protection on computers/devices
One of the easiest ways of protecting children from malicious online content is by simply setting strong passwords on devices. Parents can password-protect their accounts, smartphones, wifi routers, and computers so that children would have to ask for their assistance when accessing the internet.
Put computers and devices in a common area
Parents can better monitor their children’s use of the internet and computer if they stay and put all of their devices in a common room. This way, children can also seek immediate assistance from their parents if they encounter online content that they are unfamiliar with.
Set strong privacy settings
In order to protect children from being preyed on by predators, cyberbullies, or scammers, keep webcams covered when not in use. Check the privacy settings to minimize data collection. Help your child learn to keep personal information private, especially from strangers.
Open the lines of communication
The most important requirement for a parent is to maintain open communication. This way, not only would they be able to spend time with them online and offline, they would help support their children mediate any concerns while navigating the digital environment. Let them have fun and express themselves.