Here\u2019s how to guide your tween or teen through the trickier aspects of digital life and online spaces.<\/p>
If you didn\u2019t grow up as a digital native, keeping your preteen or teen safe online might feel intimidating or impossible. They\u2019ve only <\/em>known a world with multiple devices and instant internet access. How could you possibly keep up?<\/p> But even if it seems that their understanding of the digital world is more sophisticated than yours \u2014 after all, they can set up a new device in under 30 seconds and text in ever-evolving slang \u2014 it\u2019s still vital to emphasize the importance of online safety and privacy. The digital world is constantly evolving, and in wildly unpredictable ways; the guardrails and boundaries for your preteen or teen should evolve, too. <\/p> Starting the conversation now will create a foundation to build on as their relationship to online spaces changes \u2014 and will help them develop good judgment for the future. Here\u2019s how to approach a conversation about digital safety and privacy.<\/p> Get curious about their online interests. What social media platforms are they obsessed with? Which ones are old news or just not interesting? What shows up on their feed? Which games do they play, and why those? (Ask them to show you or teach you how to play.) Do they follow any creators or influencers?<\/p> Expressing genuine, nonjudgmental interest will make them more likely to share with you. Knowing more about their online world will deepen your offline connection, too \u2014 and will give you a sense of any potential future pitfalls.<\/p> Tackle the tough stuff at home first. <\/strong>The internet might be the last<\/em> place you want your preteen or teen to seek out answers about sex and relationships. But in the absence of open and accurate information from caregivers, it\u2019s the first place teens will go.<\/p> Even if you\u2019re a trusted source for information around sex, there\u2019s a good chance they\u2019ll look online anyway. To some extent, it\u2019s unavoidable. <\/p> Focus on mitigating potential misunderstandings about sex, sexuality, and what actual bodies look like, and talk openly and honestly about pornography \u2014 why it\u2019s dangerous, and why a warped view of sex can impact them in the future. <\/p> If you\u2019re their primary source of information about sex and they trust you with their questions and curiosities, they\u2019ll be better equipped to avoid dangerous situations, both online and off. <\/p>6 Tips to Starting The Internet Safety Conversation<\/h2>
1. Talk About Their Online Interests<\/h3>
2. Educate About Sex and Relationships At Home & Offline<\/h3>