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Summer Time Check In - Keeping our Kids and Teens Safe Online


Summer vacation is well underway as we make it to June. How are your kids or teens doing with their screen-time? As a mom and an internet wellness advocate, I know firsthand how with more free time, our children inevitably may spend more hours on their devices, exploring the vast digital world. So, how do we ensure they're safe while they're having fun? Here are some tips from my experience and what I've learned along the way.


Open Communication

First and foremost, keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about what they're doing online. Make it a casual part of your daily conversations, not an interrogation. Ask about the games they play, the friends they chat with, and the videos they watch. This not only keeps you informed but also lets them know you're interested and available to help.

Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Just like you have rules for bedtime and chores, establish rules for screen time. Define how much time they can spend online and what activities are off-limits. For instance, my kids know they can't download new apps without my approval, or make purchases. I also give them screen-time limits so that once they meet their daily quota their devices shutdown. Take advantage of the parental control features on devices and apps. They’re there to help us, not to spy, but to ensure our kids aren’t exposed to harmful content. These tools can filter out inappropriate websites and scams, and even monitor online activity.

Know Their Friends

Just as you’d want to know their friends in real life, know their online friends too. Explain the risks of talking to strangers and why they should only interact with people they know in real life. Encourage them to tell you if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable online. Also, make sure you talk to them about the dangers of sharing personal information and photos online. Explain how once something is shared online, it can be difficult to take back, and it may be accessible to a wider audience than they intend. Discuss the potential risks of identity theft, cyberbullying, and other forms of online exploitation that can arise from sharing too much information. By understanding these dangers, they can "think" before they post and share online.

Educate on Cyberbullying

Sadly, bullying doesn't stop when school is out. Cyberbullying is real and can be devastating. Teach your kids to recognize it and encourage them to speak up if they or someone they know is being bullied. Reassure them that they won't be in trouble for coming to you about it.


Promote Balance

Encourage a healthy balance of activities. Summer is a great time to explore hobbies, play outside, and spend quality family time. Show them that there’s more to life than screens. Plan family outings, game nights, or just a day at the park. The more engaged they are offline, the less time they’ll spend online.

It's also essential to keep their minds active to avoid the "summer slide," where kids can lose some of the academic gains they've made during the school year. Websites like IXL offer engaging educational activities that help kids brush up on their academics in a fun way. Additionally, summer bridge books, where kids complete just a page a day, can make a significant difference in maintaining their skills. You can also find a variety of academic sites online to support learning. This way, they’ll be ready to hit the ground running when school starts again.

As parents, we can't shield our children from every danger, but we can equip them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. Remember, our goal is to protect them while fostering their independence. Let's enjoy this summer knowing our kids are safe online and having a blast. Happy summer, everyone!

Summer dates are filling up! Reach out today if I can help you or your organization. ----> Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate

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