Resources for Internet Safety

Doesn’t this topic just grab your attention when you think of children and what is available on the world wide web? We must do all we can to keep our children safe, and these resources for Internet safety can help you to keep them safe on the net.

It is truly inevitable. Most of us, no matter how much we just want our children to stay away from the Internet, know it’s part of life today. We also understand that it has brought a lot of blessings along with really bad things.

I am across the world, yet the Internet has made it possible for me to have a Bible study with fellow Christian women thousands of miles away. 

It has allowed many of us to watch sermons online when otherwise we wouldn’t be able to. I can’t be in a service with Voddie Baucham, one of my favorite preachers of all time, yet I can go to his website or YouTube and watch every single one that is recorded.

The Internet has been a blessing since I moved to a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I am extremely grateful.

If you think for a moment the many blessing that have come along with the Internet you realize that, of course, God can use it for good.

Then, where there is good, there is also the antithesis to it – bad, evil, etc. Therefore when it comes to our children, we understand that the Internet can be a source for amazing resources.

We also know that without precautions, it can be absolute access to endless horrible things as well.

Even when they are little ones, we can teach our children about Internet safety and precautions. While they are under our roof, we are responsible and accountable for that. So, let’s do the best we can in this regard.

To get on an even playing field let’s attempt to define Internet safety.

Internet safety:

Staying safe online, on all technological devices that can access the Internet (i.e. tablets, smartphones, PCs, etc.)

Being safe online means we protect ourselves and those in our household from online risks and harms that we are vulnerable to. These risks can jeopardize our personal information or expose our families to unsafe communications.

Just look around. It isn’t hard to figure out that children are online more than ever before. That means it has also never been more important for us to keep our children from these harms.

Your children can literally get inundated with information they do NOT need to read, hear, or see. It is pretty scary.

So, here are a few quick things you can do to get your home Internet safety journey started.

Bark Internet Safety App

We use Bark in our home for protection from all things bad. It monitors my daughter’s laptop and smart phone and sends me notifications only when sketchy activity pops up — things like sexting, cyberbullying, and online predators.

This has saved me hours of reading through her text messages with friends. Click here for a free trial.  This video made by the Bark team of a mom posing as an 11-year old online had me signing up right away! 

Christian Broadband 

Christian Broadband – this company blocks offensive material before it enters your home. It can be used with any cable, DSL, satellite, or wireless internet on up to 3 computers. This is a Christian company where the owners are involved and available and can be used with a password or not (your choice). Try it for a month free.

Clean Internet

Clean Internet – offers both Windows and Android filtration options. The mission of Clean Internet “is to effectively assist and enhance the lives of those whom we serve by providing (applying) the best innovations and technology, to produce the safest, most secure, cost-effective Web Filtering tools possible.” Learn more about what parents can control here.

Covenant Eyes

Covenant Eyes – is managed by Christians and offers accountability for a variety of devices and operating systems. It covers up to 10 users and unlimited devices for a minimal fee.

Safe Families

Safe Families – is a program of Tech Mission “formed to assist parents in protecting their children from p**nography and other dangers on the Internet.” And they offer more than just internet protection too! They also offer resources for parents to teach them how to combat the ever-present dangers of the internet.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny – they have been “an industry leader in parental control software for more than two decades. [It] was one of the first software vendors to offer Internet Filtering to consumers. Pioneering an advanced dynamic filtering technology that allows it to be the best Internet filtering provider in terms of speed and effectiveness, as well as the most comprehensive solution for addressing the myriad of issues that surround unwanted Internet content and inappropriate use.” Learn more about their Family Protection Pass here. 

If you’re looking for more options, be sure to read the reviews of 10 more parental control software devices from PC Mag.

Make an Internet safety contract with your kids.

A FREE Internet Contract for families: teaching our kids to play safe | The Modern Parent

Technology Use FREE Contract | KidPointz

Talking Tips for Teen Internet Safety – FREE Teen Internet Contract | My Crazy Good Life

Limit screen time.

Implementing Screen Time Rules for a Large Family

Make them Earn Screen Time (FREE Screen Time Tickets) | The Tech Mum

Lockdown devices with parental controls.

Turn off your Internet at nighttime (for all of you!).

No privacy rule.

(I know this one may be controversial with some of you – please feel free to provide some input or opinions on Facebook. We are eager to hear your thoughts!)

I know it sounds bad, but until your children are out of your home, limit screen access to a general and public location in your home. It should be a common access area only. This helps make everyone accountable. All screens visible, at all times.

There are a few rules that you can also put in place. I can never be too careful with my kids, so I have some rules for them that I learned from … the Internet.

1. HANDS-UP. When I say hands-up to my kids, their hands come off their devices.

2. I can look at their devices immediately afterward or any other time I deem it necessary. I don’t do it that often, but it’s a rule – no questions.

3. I don’t allow technology in their rooms or bathrooms.

Of course, warn them and talk to them freely about precautions. Here are some topics of discussion:

1. Don’t communicate with strangers.

2. Never, ever, ever share personal information.

3. Remind them about and go over your Internet footprint – everything on the Internet lasts forever.

4. Remind them not to believe everything they see and read.

5. Never, ever install or download programs or games without your permission.

Check out these resources for Internet safety and precautions in your home:

Keeping Children Safe on the Internet | In All You Can Do

Parents Keep Kids Safe Online – HOW? | Techie Homeschool Mom

Computer Safety for Kids Online | STEAM Powered Family

Smart Mom Guide to Online Safety for Kids | Smart Mom, Smart Ideas

How to Keep Kids Safe Online #10 Tips | Teach Mama

Teaching Kids How To Stay Safe on the Internet | Techie Homeschool Mom

The Internet Safety Tips Your Kids Will Follow | Mama in the Now

6 of the Best Resources for Talking to Your Kids about Internet Safety | Mommy Knows Tech

Internet Safety for Kids: 25 Tips for Parents and Teachers | Meraki Lane

Computer Science – Internet Safety Mini Bundle | ECPublishing

The “Talk” About Social Media | Kicks ‘n Clicks

How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students | Edutopia

The 5 Best Internet Safety Resources for Teachers | eLearning Industry

How to talk to your preteen about porn (This is a scary one but it is a MUST read) | Kids ‘n Clicks

Teaching Digital Citizenship: 10 Internet Safety Tips For Students (With Posters) | Kathleen Morris

Internet Safety Tips For Families And Kids | Thirty Handmade Days

7 Absolutely Mandatory Social Media Rules You Must Teach Your Kids | Golden Slumber Photos

Simple Ways to Protect Your Kids Online – Right Now | A Better Way to Homeschool

6 Ways To Teach Kids Online Safety | True Aim Education

Grab these resources to help you keep your kids and family safe from Internet risks and harm.

Family Internet Safety Tools For Your Digital Homeschool (FREE Printable)

Kid’s Internet Safety Family Home Evening – FREE Printable | Creative Housewives

Internet Homeschooling Safety FREE Printable | Blessed Beyond a Doubt

An Outstanding Internet Safety Cheat Sheet for Teachers and Parents | Educators Technology

“Cyberbullying: Identification, Prevention, and Response” Fact Sheet for 2020 | Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying Activity: Crossword Puzzle | Cyber Bullying

Getting Started with Cyber Safety At Home FREE eBook and Toolkit | The Tech Mum

Digital Parenting Printables (Improve Safety, Family Contract, and more) | The Tech Mum

Family Internet Safety Software Alerts You To Danger You Need To Know About | Family Focus Blog

Online Safety Digital Footprint Sort

New Digital Citizenship Posters | Granite Schools

Online Safety Refresher! 3 Checklists to Protect Your Kids (FREE Safety Planner) | Protect Your Mind

Videos to share with your kids about internet safety:

Digital Reputation – What comes up when you Google yourself? (Older Kids) | Kathleen Morris

5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids Video | Common Sense Media

Online Privacy for Kids – Internet Safety and Security for Kids | Smile and Learn

Remember to put intentional steps in place to make the internet a safe and positive experience. Start limitations from early on. Build parameters while your children are in your home.

Embrace cyber awareness in your home, use it to your advantage, and use these resources for internet safety in your home. Equip your children with the tools needed to protect themselves well into adulthood.