Family protection measures: Social networking risks for children
The reality
Without a doubt, we live in an era in which technology makes our daily lives easier: Cell phones, social networks, Internet, immediacy of communication.
Yet, ironically, despite so many technological innovations, many feel more distant from the beings they love. The bottom line is that in families where there are good values and strong relationships, technology strengthens bonds, otherwise individualism is encouraged.
The topic is extensive and multi-faceted. In this publication, I will touch on the dangers of the use of the Internet by children and young people, specifically in the case of social networks.
Easy access to the Internet and social networks has made children and young people easy targets for paedophiles, sexual degenerates and forced disappearances. The fundamental aspect of social networks is precisely their greatest attraction, the fact of meeting new people, and it is precisely this that entails great risks.
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In my case, I have a little girl of 8 years old and like every mother I am concerned about a growing fact: Each time younger children have free access to the networks with the emotional psychological consequences and the premature knowledge of certain issues that have to be handled when they have more maturity.
That is why the family, especially parents, should be updated in terms of network management and familiar with information and communication technologies in general, in order to guide the process. Similarly, we must educate in content selection, trying to raise awareness about how harmful the unregulated and inexperienced use of technology can be without the necessary for relatively safe use.
Family prevention measures - information, prevention, protection
Recently, I read that 60% of children engage in risky Internet activities. This figure is alarming and it is therefore imperative to take protective measures.
✔ The use of the computer should be subject to spaces other than children's and young people's rooms, so as to make it easier to supervise.
✔ Depending on the age of the children, cell phone use should also be restricted, especially at night, as well as at night, which can lead to sleeplessness and negative consequences for their school performance.
✔ In the case of adolescents who use social networks, they should be constantly monitored, who they interact with, what topics they discuss, who these other people are, etc.
✔ Children should be given the confidence and communication they need so that they feel free to tell us their daily stories without feeling censored by their parents.
✔ Raise their awareness of the latent dangers of using the Internet and social networks, if necessary, show them exemplary cases.
✔ Teach children from an early age that they should not provide personal or contact information over the Internet and to any strangers.
✔ Teach them to tell us about any strange proposals they receive.
✔ Be fully aware of what your child is doing in his or her free time and after school.
✔ Establish rules for the use of the Internet at home and encourage family unity. Respect meal times, show concern for daily activities.
✔ To set an example as parents in the use of cell phones and the Internet, giving priority to personal contact and effective communication between loved ones.
✔ Sharing with children in social recreational activities or shared hobbies.
✔ Install computer protection filters for minors.
Note: Many children and young people turn to social networks because they feel lonely or lacking in affection in their lives.
Useful technology applications for parents
Our children are exposed to a number of dangers to which they have not been exposed in the past, to contact with strangers, to age-appropriate content, to harmful addictions and to other factors that make them more vulnerable.
I have been researching a number of web-based applications that are useful in reducing some of the risk factors for overexposure to the Internet, although we cannot stop technological progress if we can use it to our advantage. I share them here:
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➢ Luna Launcher - Launcher & Home screen for kids
It is an app available for Android systems that allows you to create a user profile for children so they can use their mobile phone and include parents as administrators. One of its advantages is that it can control the use of the device's applications without blocking them, and it's also possible to call, connect to social networks or use Skype only with the contacts you enable. For example, you mark a series of contacts authorized to use WhatsApp and block other people from accessing the device. So your children won't inadvertently write to your contacts.
You can monitor the time your child spends with the device and let you know when it's over. One of the most interesting things about Luna Launcher is that it is possible to add YouTube Kids in the settings by blocking access to the YouTube app.
More information here
➢ MamaBear Family Safety
This application rather than imposing restrictions allows you to monitor the activity of children on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In addition, it sends notices to the parent about the child's location, whether he or she has already left home, is at school, or is speeding in the car.
More information here
➢ Qustodio
Their motto is, "Being a father is a piece of cake with Qustodio," and they are right. The app includes technology capable of filtering the web to prevent access to dangerous and inappropriate content. This allows you to block pornographic websites; decide which games or applications minors should have access to; control text messages and calls; track major social networks; set time limits; access the location; and, when there are problems, have a'panic button' that sends an emergency message with the location. Surprised? This app is like having a spy on your cell phone. It's free for a single user and a single device, but you also have other subscription options.
More information here
➢ KidBox Safe Child
When your children want to use their tablet or smartphone, use the KidBox Safe Child and rest easy. The KidBox Safe Child offers a child lock that ensures that children will not make unwanted purchases, change settings, make calls or send messages. Such blocking also ensures that your children will not be exposed to inappropriate content or persons.
More information here
➢ Mobicip Safe Browser
An alternative Internet browser to Safari and specially designed for children. It incorporates numerous content filters and also restricts some frequent websites such as Youtube. This content control can be adapted according to the age of the child.
More information here
➢ Saint App
It allows you and your family to surf the Internet safely and does not allow access to offensive content on the web. It prevents children from finding and accessing websites with sexually explicit content, either through a Google search or direct access to a pornographic site.
More information here
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The influence of technology on our family dynamics is remarkable and cannot be stopped, but we can together, as a family, take the necessary steps to ensure that its use does not negatively influence or put our loved ones at risk.
A happy family is nothing more than a heavenly anticipation. John Bowring.
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