With the years I learned some rules of behavior on internet, but I wonder if there is some kind of extensive guide for parents who are not experienced with technology.
For example, I don’t think content blockers are a good idea for teenagers. It works for kids, but teenagers will find workarounds because parents were lazy about teaching them the dangers and instead used a spyware app.
Here is a bad written list of some obvious rules:
- Be anonymous
- Use private social media accounts
- Do not tell any personal information
- Use ad blockers
- Learn to recognize ads
- Learn to recognize AI generated text and images
- Learn to recognize scam
- Understand consent
- Learn to prevent blackmail
- Learn to prevent grooming
- Learn how fake pornography is and the unrespectful content
But I wish there was some kind of step by step guide
I’ve reached the conclusion that the only way to protect children from these influences is to remove the influences altogether.
My children will be raised with minimal dependence on the internet, and minimal dependence on consumerism.
Glad I’m not the only parent out there thinking these things.
Is there an extensive guide on how to protect kids on the internet?
Countless.
I think you’re missing of the most important parts:
- learn to avoid addictive content
This means:
- games w/ MTX
- clickbait/doom scrolling
- gambling
Others got into that as well, but I honestly try to keep things simple, so I’ll leave it as assuming that everyone on the internet is trying to screw you. For example:
- someone you don’t know in person is being extra nice? They probably want something from you.
- a deal looks too good to be true? It probably is.
- something says you need to take urgent action? Probably a scam.
The internet is not a regulated place, so be vigilant about figuring out how the other party is trying to screw you and you should catch most of the crap out there. Yeah, not everyone is trying to screw you, but you should always assume they are.
My biggest rule is not on your list:
- Only add friends that you have met in person.
Also, be sure to apply Richard Stallman’s privacy rules. To summarise, all data that leaves your device is effectively out of your control. Assume all of this data is captured and stored, and will be used against you at some point.
I’ve met some good friends online that I later met up with in person. Though this was only after chatting and gaming with them for years. Meeting in a public place reduces a lot of the risk. I wouldn’t want to give out my address or meet at someone’s house.
It must be a nice life that wishing for something to be true makes it so, regardless of reality
