Internet is a creative space where young people can have a voice, develop their imagination and also seek support and advice when necessary
I was not lucky enough to be able to grow up with a computer. As a child, I could never have imagined half the amazing things that computers or smartphones would do today, not to mention the fact that they were available to almost everyone, and could have even more. one's
Today we are not surprised by the fact that children grow up with technology at their fingertips. Something that can have a very positive use: Internet is a creative space where young people can have a voice, develop their imagination and also seek support and advice when necessary. However, we all have a responsibility to ensure that the Internet and technology, in general, can be used safely. As a technology provider, Google is responsible for ensuring the security and functionality to report misuse of our products, as well as educating people on how to make safer use of the Network.
Part of the work we do is to help parents feel safe and confident in facing any conversation about online safety with their children. As happens to me, most parents have not grown up surrounded by smart speakers, virtual assistants and computers that fit in one pocket, so in this sense, their children are light years away from them in ability to understand the operation of these digital tools.
However, parents will always know better than anyone how to approach especially complicated conversations and what is most appropriate for their children, so we want to help them do it also online. For example, through Family Link you can, in a simple way, create this ecosystem of healthy digital use and consumption and know how your children navigate in the Internet environment.
We believe that technology and Internet are going to be increasingly present in our lives, so it is the responsibility of the technological agents, where Google is located, to provide the best tools to parents, teachers and children so that they understand how they use the Internet and for that families are safe on the Net.
Here are some tips for parents to teach their children to make the best decisions and keep them safer on the Internet:
- Inculcate good habits in the use of passwords
Show them how to turn a memorable phrase into a password that is safe. Use at least eight characters that alternate the use of uppercase and lowercase and try to make some of them symbols and numbers. Help them understand what makes a password weak, such as using your own address, birthday dates, 123456 or "password", all of which are very easy to guess. Teach them that it is necessary to think twice before entering their password anywhere and that they must verify that it is a secure app or website. In addition, you can encourage them to have different passwords for different sites or apps. They can have a main password to which to add some letters depending on the application.
- Create rules in the family about what can be shared
It establishes clear rules in the family about what can not be shared online, such as photos or private information. You can practice and take some photos together and discuss how to share them responsibly. For example, invite your children to think before sharing any photograph, not only their own, but also those in which other people appear. Remind them that they should ask for permission if they are not sure. Tell them about the drawbacks of sharing too much and help them understand the long-term effects of publishing information on the Web. This is a practice that you should apply yourself, thinking carefully about what information about your children you share online and what they will think of it when be adults
- Encourages dialogue about online bullying
He talks about cyberbullying and about cases where some people have used online platforms to intentionally harm other people. Plan in advance to whom your children should go if they witness or experience these situations. Ask them if they or their friends have gone through a similar experience. Some of the questions you can ask are: what exactly happened? How did you feel? Did you think you could stop it if you told someone? You must make clear what you expect from them on the Net. A good starting point is to teach them to treat others as you want them to treat you, and show them that they should only say online what they would also say face to face.
- Be respectful, with oneself and with others
We all need to be reminded that behind each user name and each profile picture there is a real person, with real feelings that should be treated as such. A good rule to apply in the digital life is "treat others as you would like them to treat you". Children can also set a good example on the Net, becoming a positive influence for their friends, without encouraging bad behavior or responding or "like" comments or potentially harmful posts.
- In case of doubt, dialogue
When your children encounter a sensitive topic, they should be able to feel comfortable talking to a trusted adult. In this sense, it is fundamental that there is always a way of open dialogue at home. It is important that they know who they can contact if they are on the Internet with something that can make them feel uncomfortable, that is, a trusted person to help them process that information.