October 29 is National Internet Day, so we’re celebrating the incredible resource that has and continues to revolutionize our lives. At the same time, it’s important to remember that there are potential dangers online, especially for kids. We created a more comprehensive article on ways to ensure your child’s safety online—but as an everyday reminder, here’s a quick internet safety checklist.

Online safety checklist

Have an ongoing discussion about general online safety

From phishing scams to inappropriate advances, have an ongoing dialogue. This will keep your kids watchful, empower them to make smart decisions and encourage them to tell you about their experiences. This is also a great time to talk to them about other online risks like cyberbullying. 

Use physical safety measures

Keep computers and devices out of their bedrooms and in shared spaces if you can. Consider limiting access at night or when you can’t be around.

Audit your kids’ internet usage

Check your children’s browser history, friend lists, downloads and the like. Also, make sure they aren’t sharing sensitive data in discussions or on their profiles.

Use parental controls

Both iPhone and Android offer tools that make it easy to monitor and control your kid’s internet usage using your own device. Popular platforms like Netflix and YouTube offer similar features.

Set ground rules with consequences

Sometimes, you’ve got to be the “bad guy!” Understanding that breaking safety rules will result in loss of online privileges may make you unpopular at the time, but it will instill better online habits in the long run.

Stay in contact with other parents

By comparing notes with other parents, you’ll be able to catch issues that may not be immediately obvious from just you or your kid’s viewpoint.

Explain the online “illusion of reality”

Whether it’s photoshopped appearances, deepfake videos or CGI stunts, there are many instances of manufactured reality online. For children (and in some cases, adults as well), these can threaten emotional or physical well-being. Understanding that “everything you see online isn’t real” is an important lesson.

The perfect internet for families

Ting Internet gives everyone from light browsers to power-user families an incredible internet experience. See if Ting Internet is available in your neighborhood!