Tips for Parents for Keeping Kids Safe Online

Provided by VERIZON

1. Teach your kids to always be respectful of others when communicating on their mobile devices and online.
2. Consider using tools to manage wireless usage.  Verizon offers Family Safeguards and Parental Controls
   From identifying late night texting to controlling data usage by line, FamilyBase gives parents insight and control over when, how and with whom your kids communicate. Tip: Before installing the parental controls on your children’s devices, be sure to tell them what you are doing and why.
   Parental Control options include:
   • Content Filter manages the content you allow your child to access. Create settings for them based on the parents’ level of comfort, and the child’s age.
   • Call & Message blocking allows blocking of unwanted text, video and picture messages from up to five different numbers for 90 days.
3. Talk to your kids about their “digital footprint” and the fact that what goes online stays online. Make sure your kids know that any information they share online—photos, videos, emails, text messages and more—can be easily shared, copied and pasted in other places.
4. Stop Textual Harassment. Make sure your teen speaks up if they receive any harassing texts or calls, so you can help put a stop to it.
5. Review privacy settings on your teen’s online accounts and mobile apps. Have your children take an inventory of the social networking sites they belong to and check to make sure you are comfortable with the amount and type (videos, photos, etc.) of information they’re sharing with others. Suggest they delete un-tag or hide content they are concerned about. Privacy settings are evolving, and many websites and apps now offer customized solutions.