Learn strategies for safeguarding your child from online predators. Meri Sehat provides insights into online safety practices and promoting a secure digital environment.

How To Protect Your Child From Online Predators

Do you know who your child might be talking to on the internet?

Overview

We live in a time where parents don&rsquo;t hesitate for a single moment before using their smartphones or tablets as pacifiers for their young children. Nowadays, young children also need to have access to computers and the internet in order to complete their homework. 

This increases the risk that children will be exposed to the bad or predatory elements online. Most of us have heard stories about these and quite a few of us have been <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/why-is-it-so-hard-for-victims-of-domestic-violence-to-come-forward">victims</a> of these as well. 

One thing for sure however, these online predators are more common than we think and they pose a very real threat. Here&rsquo;s how you can safeguard your child from being exploited: 
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Protection of Your child

Conclusion

<ul>
	<li>Firstly, alert them about the fact of their existence. Tell them how it doesn&rsquo;t just have to be an older man or a woman but that they can also behave and portray themselves as being the same age as your child. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Secondly, highlight what predatory behaviour might look or sound like so it&rsquo;s easier for the child to identify. Give examples such as someone wanting to keep their relationship a secret, asking for pictures or asking them inappropriate questions about their bodies, asking for an address or wanting to meet alone etc. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Have a conversation with your child about risky behaviour. Children are naturally curious and might seek information on risky topics themselves which increases their chances of running into predatory individuals. Let them know that even though this curiosity is natural, they must take measures to stay safe. Nurturing a trusting relationship with your child can also ensure they come to you first if they plan on visiting areas of the internet that are potentially dangerous, such as entering Reddit chat rooms etc. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Similarly, ensure your child knows how to use privacy features on social media platforms. Set the rule that they can only add their offline friends on these platforms. Strict boundaries regarding internet usage can go a long way in keeping your kids safe. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Online predators aren&rsquo;t always looking to sexually exploit. They might be looking to recruit impressionable children into some illegal or violent activities &mdash; alert your child about this possibility and keep a close eye on their behaviour as this can help you identify any harmful influence they might be under. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It&rsquo;s also crucial to let your child know that they shouldn&rsquo;t post their address, phone numbers, school&rsquo;s name or any identifiable information online. Tell your child how this can put them in real danger even when they&rsquo;re offline. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Surveillance software and child protection locks can work to a certain degree as well but these too might fail sometimes. This is why a frank and honest discussion can go a long way. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Encourage the child to approach you or any trusted adult and let you know if they are being harassed. Tell them that the moment something makes them uncomfortable they are to block that individual online and log off. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Make sure that your child trusts you, feels safe with you and understands that they&rsquo;re to come to you even if they have broken any rules and gotten into trouble. Let them know that to you, their safety is more important than everything else. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>And last but not the least, make your child understand that the internet can be a great source of information and education for them and it&rsquo;s not a scary place they need to be wary off at all times. That they simply need to have good boundaries and exhibit safe behaviours. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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