Children and the Internet
The internet is a wonderful tool that expands learning and creativity for children, but it also comes with a range of risks. By understanding these risks and taking appropriate measures, parents can create an environment where children can use the internet safely.
Online Risks Children Face
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Children may unintentionally encounter violent, sexual, or age-inappropriate content. Search engines, social media, and video platform recommendation algorithms can surface unexpected material.
Cyberbullying
Harassment, exclusion, and the spreading of private information through social media and messaging apps have become serious issues. Online bullying can continue around the clock, and the psychological impact on victims can be devastating.
Personal Information Exposure
Children often don't fully understand the importance of personal information and may share their name, school, address, or photos on social media without realizing the consequences.
Online Scams
In-game purchase scams, fake sweepstakes sites, and phishing emails targeting children are on the rise.
Excessive Screen Time
Dependence on social media, video platforms, and games is increasingly interfering with schoolwork, sleep, and face-to-face communication.
7 Key Points Every Parent Should Know
1. Maintain Open Communication
The most important measure is having open conversations with your children about the internet. Rather than monitoring "what they're looking at," build a relationship of trust where they feel comfortable saying, "I need help." Create an environment where children can report negative online experiences without fear of being scolded.
2. Use Parental Controls
Take advantage of the parental control features built into operating systems, browsers, and individual services:
- iOS: Manage via Screen Time (Settings → Screen Time)
- Android: Family Link
- Windows: Microsoft Family Safety
- macOS: Manage via Screen Time (System Settings → Screen Time)
- YouTube: Restricted Mode
- Google: SafeSearch
However, don't rely solely on technical restrictions — explain to your children why these limits are in place.
3. Teach the Value of Personal Information
Teach children not to share the following information online:
- Full name
- School name and grade
- Home address or nearest station
- Phone number
- Photos showing school uniforms or emblems
- Photos with embedded location data
Using Kakunin-san's homepage to show children how much information is revealed just by connecting to the internet can be an effective way to help them understand the importance of privacy.
4. Teach Password Management
Teach children about creating strong passwords too. Emphasize the importance of never sharing passwords with friends and using different passwords for each service.
5. Set Screen Time Rules
Establish family rules about internet usage time:
- No screens for one hour before bedtime
- No devices during meals
- Internet use only after homework is done
- Set a daily time limit
Involving children in creating the rules gives them a sense of ownership and makes the rules easier to follow.
6. Discuss Social Media Use
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old. If your child uses social media, discuss the following:
- Set profile visibility to "Friends only"
- Don't accept follow requests or messages from strangers
- Understand that once something is posted, it can never be fully deleted
- Don't post anything that could hurt others
7. Improve Your Own Digital Literacy
It's important for parents to understand the apps and services their children use. When a new app or service appears, trying it out together is a great approach.
Familiarizing yourself with social engineering and phishing scam techniques will help you give your children practical, specific advice.
Where to Get Help
There are resources available for internet-related issues involving children:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): Resources for child safety online
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): For reporting internet-related crimes
- ConnectSafely.org: Guides and tips for families on internet safety