Talking to Kids About Being Safe Online
The Internet is a great resource that can provide countless answers to inquiring minds. But it can also be a scary, potentially dangerous place for young people to encounter misinformation, hoaxes and scams. Recently, you may have heard about the "Momo Challenge" that has been circulating online (click here to read an in-depth statement on the challenge from Shape the Sky). This hoax, seen most often in YouTube videos, challenges kids to complete malicious and/or possibly harmful actions. Although this challenge is just another figment of online misinformation, it can have real implications for young people who believe it to be true.
Teaching kids to be safe online is of primary importance in today's world. Whether it's something as simple as never sharing your information anywhere online or something a little more complex like explaining a fictional challenge, learning to set safe online boundaries at a young age can make all the difference in creating an enriching experience with the World Wide Web.
National Online Safety has created a guide to talking with kids about the Momo Challenge (or any other online hoax/challenge, for that matter)! Among their tips:
- It's Not Real -- Lead off by telling kids straight out that a challenge or hoax isn't real. There are no real-life implications to not following through with what is being asked of you.
- Report and Block -- While YouTube and other social platforms are doing much more to monitor inappropriate content, it's impossible to catch everything. As an adult, you should report and block content that you think is inappropriate.
- Talk Regularly -- It's important to talk regularly with young people about their online usage. How are they using the Internet each day? Encouraging them to talk openly with you will also empower them to come to you down the road if they experience a problem online.