What kids hide from their parents online

Our children are growing up online, and it’s worrying for parents, like us, to ensure they remain safe, and unharmed in the virtual world.
 
Technology is so advanced, and there’s a completely new world that exists in the cloud!
 
And, as parents, it’s challenging, and often nerve-wracking to watch out for our children online.
 
They are hooked on to “their” gadgets, and find it strangely exciting and entertaining. Every child owns a tablet, and it’s a common sight in the malls to see young things strapped in their prams, while gleefully swiping away on their tabs when their parents shop away uninterrupted.
 
“I’m guilty of handing my child a tablet/laptop. While it gives me some time off to do things, I know it’s encouraging them a life unlike the real world they live in, and it’s bound to have some implications,” said Neeta Singh, a parent of a 6-year-old boy living in Al Barsha.
 
While the harm of a digital overindulgence is disturbing, there’s also the safety that parents often unknowingly overlook.
 
But, this generation has grown up online, and might have a completely different online life that their parents, are unfortunately unaware of.
 
A survey, conducted by Kaspersky Lab, shows how 57 per cent of children (aged 8-16) admitted to keeping their online history hidden from their parents.
 
That is over 50%. Let that sink in for a second.
 
But, the bigger concern arrives in the survey data when 70 per cent of parents claim they are unaware that their kids conceal potentially damaging online activities from them. These range from bad content to cyberbullying or talking to the wrong people online.
 
The survey, also showed, 75 per cent of children surveyed globally could talk to their parents about the dangers that lurk online.
 
So, what must parents do?
 
Always keep the channel of communication open with your children

Your child must never feel threatened or scared to speak to you. Encourage them to share their life online, even if it’s sometimes unpleasant. This way, you know, that if anything untoward creeps up online, they will give you a shout-out, and that’s important. You must tell them which sites are off-limits, and reason it out with them.  
 
Keep yourself updated about the virtual world

We must know the internet, and how it works. It’s constantly evolving, so it’s pertinent to know what’s the latest, and how it will impact you and your kids.
 
Teach your kids about the dangers online

While children might not quite understand the dangers, it is your responsibility as parents to educate them on how things go could horribly wrong. Stress on how images and personal information must never be shared online, and how they can be misused.
 
Monitor your child online

While a lot of us want our children to experience freedom, and equip them to deal with situations on their own, it’s also important that we guide them through baby steps. So, it will be a wise decision to opt for tools that help you to monitor your child’s activity online. It doesn’t mean you are stalking them online, but that it will alert you when something’s amiss. Also, this should be done in an honest manner, so the children are aware and comfortable with the fact that you are there (online) to always watch their back.
 
Stranger alert

Often children easily strike up a conversation with strangers online, so it’s extremely crucial that you teach them not to befriend people online. They must know that all they see online may not necessarily be true. There could be imposters or child abusers, so it’s good to keep your kids aware of how the virtual world could throw up some nasty surprises, and how they must be ready for it.

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