Hey there! Today, we’re diving into an important topic: how to talk to kids about staying safe online. With digital devices being a huge part of our lives, it’s possible for kids to come across things on the internet that aren’t suitable for them. Let’s explore how we can have a helpful conversation about this.
Kids spend a lot of time online, and sometimes they might see things that are not appropriate. These can include images or videos that give them the wrong idea about relationships. As adults, it’s our job to help them understand what healthy relationships look like.
Just like we used to have the “birds-and-bees” talk, now we need to discuss what kids might find online. It’s up to parents to decide when to have this conversation. The internet is a big part of our lives, and we want kids to be safe and smart while using it. We should give them the tools they need to handle anything inappropriate they might see.
If your child sees something they shouldn’t, it’s a chance to teach them. Here are three tips to help:
Think about what you want your child to know about healthy relationships and share those values with them. Let them know you’re aware of what’s happening in the world.
How you say something is just as important as what you say. Speak calmly and confidently to make your child feel comfortable.
It can be tough to start the conversation, but ask your child if they’ve seen anything online that made them uncomfortable. This shows them it’s okay to talk about it.
While there’s no way to completely stop kids from seeing inappropriate content, you can use filters and monitoring tools to help. At Common Sense Media, we teach kids from a young age to recognize safe websites and to talk to a trusted adult if they see something upsetting.
Ask your child if they’ve ever seen anything online that bothered them. Stay calm and don’t overreact, so they feel safe talking to you about their experiences. It’s important for kids to know they can come to you with anything.
By following these tips, you can make this difficult conversation a little easier. Remember, it’s all about keeping the lines of communication open and helping kids navigate the digital world safely!
Imagine you’re in a situation where you come across something online that makes you uncomfortable. Pair up with a classmate and take turns acting out how you would talk to a trusted adult about it. This will help you practice staying calm and using open communication.
Design a poster that highlights key tips for staying safe online. Include advice like using filters, recognizing safe websites, and talking to a trusted adult if something seems off. Display your poster in the classroom to remind everyone of these important safety tips.
Test your knowledge with a fun quiz about online safety. Work in groups to answer questions about what to do if you encounter inappropriate content and how to use the internet responsibly. Discuss the answers together to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Gather in a circle and share a story about a time you or someone you know encountered something unexpected online. Discuss how the situation was handled and what could be done differently next time. This will help you learn from each other’s experiences.
Create a guide that lists websites you believe are safe and educational for kids your age. Include a brief description of each site and why you think it’s a good choice. Share your guide with the class to help others discover safe online resources.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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All right, coming up, digital devices are a big part of many children’s lives. While being online, it’s possible they could encounter inappropriate content. We’re going to ask Common Sense Media how to have a conversation with our kids about this topic.
Welcome back, everyone. Every Thursday, we sit down with the folks at Common Sense Media to discuss the issues facing families in this digital age. I’m joined today by Darri Stephens, senior director of education content for Common Sense Education. Today, we’re discussing the topic of online content that may not be suitable for children. Kids are spending many hours online, which can lead them to come across material that they may not be ready for.
So my first question is, what can we do about it as parents?
– It’s important to acknowledge that kids may come across inappropriate content easily. Often, this content can be graphic and may present unrealistic expectations about relationships. As adults, we need to help them understand what constitutes a healthy relationship.
– When I was growing up, we had the “birds-and-bees” conversation. Now, it’s about discussing what they might encounter online. Should parents have a conversation about what exists before discussing specific content?
– It’s up to you as the parent. The internet is a significant part of our lives, and we want our kids to be safe and responsible. We should equip them with the tools to navigate the digital world, so if they do come across something inappropriate, they know how to handle it.
– If you notice your child encountering something inappropriate, should you quickly redirect them or use it as a teaching moment?
– It’s a teachable moment. You want to be proactive rather than reactive. We have three tips: First, consider what you want your child to know and your hopes for their relationships. This is an opportunity to share your values and show that you are aware of what’s happening in the world. Second, pay attention to your tone; how you say something is as important as what you say. Aim for a calm and confident approach. Third, initiating the conversation can be challenging, but it’s important to ask your child if they’ve seen anything that made them uncomfortable.
– You mentioned that there’s no foolproof way to prevent kids from finding inappropriate content, but are there ways to limit exposure?
– We recommend using filters and monitoring tools, but nothing is 100% effective. At Common Sense, we start as early as kindergarten to help kids identify appropriate sites. We discuss different categories of sites so they know what to avoid and can turn to a trusted adult if they encounter something unsettling.
– Any other tips for starting the conversation?
– A good approach is to ask your child if they’ve seen anything online that bothered them. I heard a story about a parent who was with her daughter doing a report and they accidentally encountered inappropriate images. It’s important to remain calm and not overreact, so kids don’t feel ashamed or afraid to talk about their experiences.
– You want them to feel comfortable discussing these topics with you. Darri, great advice—thank you for joining us today.
– Thank you.
– It’s a difficult conversation, but with these tips, it can be easier to navigate. Kiva and Mike, back to you.
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This version removes explicit references while maintaining the essence of the conversation.
Online Safety – Practices and precautions taken to protect personal information and well-being while using the internet. – It is important to learn about online safety to protect yourself from cyberbullying and identity theft.
Digital World – The environment and culture created by the widespread use of digital technology and the internet. – In today’s digital world, students can access information from all over the globe with just a few clicks.
Healthy Relationships – Connections with others that are based on respect, trust, and open communication. – Building healthy relationships with friends and family can lead to a happier and more supportive life.
Conversation – An exchange of ideas, thoughts, or feelings between two or more people. – Having a good conversation with your classmates can help you understand different perspectives.
Values – Principles or standards of behavior that are considered important in life. – Our values guide us in making decisions about what is right and wrong.
Calm Tone – A way of speaking that is gentle and steady, helping to keep discussions peaceful. – Using a calm tone during a disagreement can help resolve conflicts more effectively.
Open-ended Questions – Questions that cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and encourage more detailed responses. – Teachers often use open-ended questions to encourage students to think more deeply about a topic.
Exposure – The state of being in contact with something, such as new ideas or experiences. – Exposure to different cultures can help students develop a better understanding of the world.
Communication – The process of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings with others. – Good communication is key to working well in a team and solving problems together.
Trusted Adult – An adult whom a child feels comfortable with and can rely on for support and guidance. – If you ever feel unsafe, talk to a trusted adult who can help you.
