Educate children to be discerning and avoid harmful content on the internet

Education
Feb 8, 2024

In today's digital age, children have become an integral part of the internet. However, along with the advancement of technology and the convenience of the internet, there is also the risk of exposure to harmful content. To protect children from the negative effects, adults need to play an important role in helping children to select and avoid unhealthy content on the internet.

The risks of harmful content on the Internet for children

Harmful content on the Internet can have negative effects on children. Here are some key influences:

  • Psychological effects: Children can be negatively affected psychologically when exposed to harmful content such as violence, depraved images, discrimination, harassment or age-inappropriate content. This can lead to anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, or even affect the child's mood and mental health.

  • Educational effects: Harmful content can affect children's learning and educational development. When exposed to misinformation, fake news or unhealthy content, children may not be able to tell the difference between fact and fiction, affecting their learning and understanding.

  • Social influence: Harmful content can have a negative impact on children's social relationships. For example, exposure to violent or harassing content can create negative behavioral patterns, increasing the risk of children following and reproducing similar behaviors in real life. This can disrupt relationships with family and friends and affect the ability to communicate and build good relationships with others.

  • Effects on physical health: Harmful content can affect children's physical health. For example, children may suffer from insomnia, lack of physical activity, or spend too much time in front of screens, causing problems with vision, weight, and general health.

  • To protect children from the negative effects of harmful content on the Internet, supervision and guidance from parents and teachers is needed. At the same time, it is necessary to establish policies and control mechanisms, provide online safety education and encourage responsible and safe use of the Internet for children.

How to help children to select and avoid harmful content

Discussion and education

Parents should talk to their children about the importance of avoiding harmful content on the internet. At the same time, explain to children clearly about the risks and consequences that may occur when exposed to unhealthy content. Through creating an open environment, children can ask questions and share their concerns. In this way, children will be aware of their own personal responsibility to protect themselves on the internet.

Establish clear internet usage rules for children

Set up and define clear internet usage rules for children. And make sure that children understand clearly about the inappropriate behaviors and content that need to be avoided. In addition, explain about not sharing personal information, not contacting strangers, and not downloading files of unknown origin. Parents need to set rules to apply and comply strictly to protect children from harmful content.

Parent should establish clear internet usage rules for children

Use content filtering tools

Installing and using content filtering tools to limit children's access to content that is not appropriate for their age. These tools can help block some malicious websites, control search results, and prevent various types of unhealthy content. However, it is important to remember that content filtering tools are not perfect and direct supervision by adults is very important.

Create interaction and interest with children

Show interest and interact with children's online activities. Parents should join children in exploring and using the internet. This helps you understand better what children are doing and can detect any signs of unhealthy content. By building a trusting and friendly environment, children will feel more comfortable sharing their online experiences with you.

Monitor and limit children's internet usage time

Monitor and limit children's internet usage time. Children need a balance between online activities and other extracurricular activities. Set clear rules about internet usage time and monitor compliance. At the same time, encourage children to participate in other activities such as reading, playing sports, and meeting friends to minimize the time of exposure to harmful content on the internet.

Build trust and relationships

Build trust and friendly relationships with children. When children feel safe and confident in the family environment, they will easily share their online experiences with you. Listen and accompany children in solving the difficulties and challenges they encounter on the internet.

Share experiences with the community

Participate in online communities or parent groups to share experiences and learn from others. Together, learn about methods, tools, and thinking about preventing harmful content on the internet. This is a way to increase knowledge and be prepared to cope with difficult situations.

Digital introduction course for children at Logiscool

Digital Introduction Course for Children

Logiscool provides a European standard learning environment, modern facilities, creative spaces and advanced equipment. Children will always be inspired to be creative and nurture their passion for programming while studying at school. Along with that, a team of young, enthusiastic teaching consultants with high expertise in programming and education. Advisors are always ready to support children in their learning process, helping them solve difficulties and questions.

The Digital Introduction Course at Logiscool is designed for young children to help learners understand how computers work and how to use a mouse in a proficient way. Children will be familiar with the 10-finger typing rules, learn about internet safety, and participate in creative tasks and logic games to develop algorithmic thinking.

The goal of this course is to help children become confident and knowledgeable users of digital technology. In addition, the course also supports the learning process of elementary school students, develops fine motor skills, the ability to perceive and follow instructions, as well as coordination between hands and eyes. Through interesting, creative tasks and logic games, learners will understand the basics of programming and develop mechanical thinking.

Parents should remember that helping children to select and avoid harmful content on the internet is an ongoing process. You need to constantly improve your knowledge about technology and the internet to provide the best support for your children. By guiding and monitoring, you can ensure that your children will use the internet safely and beneficially.