What is Online Consent and How Can I Discuss this With My Child

The Internet is a tricky space for kids. It is filled with various information coming from the globe.
Of course, the internet is a great escape for kids to be surrounded and learn a new concept. However, along with a rich source of information, there is a plethora of inappropriate content, and no social media restrictions, no Parental Control app that your kids enjoy.

Do not turn a blind eye on your kids; they may be equally responsible for adding unsuitable content on the internet.

Online consent is the same as Offline consent

More and More kids have started adoring the online world. As a result, they have lost control over what they upload and what they view.

Exposure to the internet is a good idea until it doesn’t impact your kids’ mental well-being and others. Respect, humanity, and feelings are the same online as well as offline.

Online rules follow a similar line of thought as offline. It is a terrible idea:

– to add humiliating images or content;
– to add controversial matters on social media without considering the repercussions;
– to add nude or compromised pictures of oneself;
– to engage or share sexual content online;
– to entertain sexting or unnecessary sexual comments;

Well, in short, if you wouldn’t want your kids to participate in such activities offline, it can be assumed you will want to discourage these activities online.

How can I handle the pros and cons of online content with kids?

There are a variety of ways you can build the idea of online consent in your kids.

1. Have a conversation

Having a mature conversation with kids is the critical step to teach your kids about online risks. You do need a spare hour in the day to have the conversation, whenever your kids are receptive and chatting with you, shoot!

Yes, the use of mature and sensitive language is expected. Although, that should not mean filtering details and not opening up to your kids.

2. Which content needs your consent?

Kids are immature and naïve. As a result, their perception of inappropriate content will not be the same as yours.

As a wise choice, you must counsel your kids on what kind of content they can upload or view. Especially uploading is one aspect which is in your control. List down these categories to your kids during your conversation:
– Drugs and unknown medicines
– Controversial or political contents
– Nude pictures
– Sexual content
– Porno videos
– Abusive language
– Copied work or art

3. Can you share all the contents?

Your kids need to get a good idea about the type of content going online. Although, your daughter or son may not have added the content, sharing any inappropriate content online makes you an equal culprit.

Persuade your kids to run to you before sharing any questionable content. Curbing the fire at the initial stage is easy.

4. Positive side of the internet

The Internet has far more exciting and interesting things that you know. Not only educational but a great source of entertainment.

Plenty of videos make rounds on social media; these may be educational documentaries, tutorials, DIY videos, music videos, dance choreographies, web series and what not! These videos can captivate your attention for long hours together. Many videos can turn out to be so exciting that your kids might want to watch them daily.

Instead of crossing paths with inappropriate content why not read about inspiring and motivating human beings. Take a dip into short stories, read online recipes, learn about new hobbies and get live updates on interesting matches and events.

5. When in doubt, talk!

Every time your kids are unwell, they rush to you for help. If kids face difficulty in decision making, they rush to you, same is the case with online contents.
Your kids must know that whenever they face any doubts or suspicions on online content, they should come to their parents before taking any step.

When your kids approach you with queries, do not just say a blunt “NO.” Explain to your kids why they should not share or upload something, explain the repercussion.

Another important fact that needs your kids’ attention is deleting content. Even after removing a content, there is no proof it is deleted does not get deleted. Everything that goes on the internet stays on the web forever.

Take help of Parental Control Apps

Many parents stay disturbed by their kids’ internet habits. In spite of all the talking and explaining kids like to take control of everything in their life. So, how exactly can you ensure your kids are not getting into any wrong habits?

Parental control apps are the most promising solution for parents. Parents can blindly bank on parental control app to secure kids from online risks.

Controls do not only mean restricting or switching off the internet. Take control of your kids’ mobile phone by enforcing parental controls like limit screen time and social media restrictions.

Your kids’ future can either be secured or damaged by the internet; it depends on the parent how they want to shape it. As a help to your parenting job, Parental control apps are available for your rescue!