Summer break is approaching, and we do our best to get our kids outside to do things they can’t during the school year.
However, work commitments don’t change for many parents over the summer, and children are left with older siblings or extended family, who may not enforce screen time rules or limits. Also, kids and teens just have more free time over the summer months and the draw to online devices is undeniable.
What are the risks and what can be done to keep them safe online?
We spoke to Alun Hughes, a cybersecurity specialist and Professor at Mohawk college about some of the risks for young people using the internet unsupervised.
With the possibility of less supervision over the summer months, kids and teens could be exposed to inappropriate topics or materials. Hughes highlighted some of the warning signs, that could indicate a child has been exposed to this sort of media.
He went on to note that children may also have unexplained knowledge of age inappropriate topics, or begin to use explicit vocabulary. Hughes says there are a number of things that parents can do to lessen the risks involved.
Additionally, parents should model responsible internet usage for their children. Seeing you limit your screen time and setting your boundaries, demonstrates your expectations.
Last, Hughes says there are tools and apps available for parents to restrict and monitor their children’s internet activity.
It’s important not to paint too bleak a picture of the internet. As you get into summer vacation, it’s alright to allow devices, but set a reasonable limit for their use.
After all, there are too many great activities happening around during summer to be stuck behind a screen. For ideas, check out our events page!
(Written by Jeremy Hall)
