Virtual learning is the “new normal” for many school kids. Now, they spend more time than ever on laptops and other devices, engaging with teachers and fellow students. So, how do you help keep your child involved in online learning, and more importantly, is there anything that can help keep your child safe online during school hours and beyond?
Some school systems issue laptops and other devices to students that include built-in filters to help keep them safe. Count yourself lucky if that’s the case. But maybe your child uses a personal device for online instruction. And then there are the additional devices used outside the learning environment you must consider. A parental monitoring system is a good option to help keep your child safe and engaged during virtual learning and adds protection at other times while online.
These systems, many of which are affordable and can be quickly installed on desktop or mobile devices, should always be used with a dose of good parenting. For example, parenting experts suggest the systems be used openly and in partnership with your child rather than as a spying method.
But which system is right for your family? That depends on your personal needs. Do you simply want to block certain websites? Are you interested in limiting your child’s time spent on games and apps? Do you want to receive real-time reports of your kid’s online activities?
Whatever your needs, there’s a system that does it.
One highly rated option that practically does it all is Qustodio. Just set up your account, download it to your child’s smartphone, tablet and/or desktop, and begin supervising from your smartphone.
Other systems worth checking out, include Norton Family, Kaspersky Safe Kids and Zift. All of these parental monitoring options have many features worth exploring to determine the one that’s best for you and your child.
But experts caution that no system can take the place of being an engaged parent. They recommend taking time to:
- Explore the internet with your child. It’s a great opportunity to see how the internet is being used and teach about safety precautions.
- Teach your child how to identify cyberbullying and that it’s important to let you or another trusted adult know if it happens.
- Regardless of what you do, your child may stumble across inappropriate content. Don’t be too harsh. Let your child know you’re there to talk.
Today’s technology has made virtual learning possible and an effective alternative to in-seat instruction. However, it’s tempting to disengage from online learning, and anytime your child is on the internet, there is an opportunity to encounter unsafe situations. A parental monitoring system can be an important tool to help keep your child involved in their online education and help maintain safety anytime while online, and with internet from Chariton Valley, your child will stay connected to their online classes without the inconvenience of service interruptions.
