Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

As children grow, they start to feel the pressure of their peers to fit in and blend in with the crowd. Over the past decade, kids have felt increasing pressure to join social media and younger ages. Social media has a major impact on how children in the digital generation view themselves and the world.

Social media allows kids to portray themselves as whatever they want to be. It provides a platform for connection and exposure to what’s going on in the world, good or bad. However, there are many risks and disadvantages for people who aren’t mature enough to grasp its complexities. There are many negative impacts social media can have on children.

Here are some ways to help your kids fight peer pressure to join social media.

Peer Pressure Preparation

Prepare your child for peer pressure as early as possible. Instill core values and build their self-esteem, so you can prepare them for any challenges they may face.

Open Communication

Discuss the dangers of peer pressure with your children so they understand why they shouldn’t conform to their peers in instances that pose harm to them or someone else. Ensure your child knows the consequences of their actions and what that entails. The dangers of social media will be irrelevant to your child if you don’t explain how they could cause problems.

Instill Values

Providing values for your child to decipher right from wrong will undoubtedly set them up for success. Give them the necessary tools to make decisions independently with confidence. You can worry less when kids understand the dangers and think through obstacles to come up with solutions. Your child will know what to do when situations occur if you provide them with the fundamentals they need, like respect, integrity, consideration and independence.

Build Their Confidence

Building your child’s confidence is essential to their growth and self-awareness but is also vital to their success. Prepare children to deal with peer pressure on all fronts. They will feel more confident in their decisions if they’re confident in who they are and what they stand for.

When you boost your child’s confidence at home, they are less likely to seek acceptance from their peers or other outside forces like strangers on the internet. Ensure you give your kid the attention and feedback they need at home so they don’t search for it elsewhere. Be attuned to your child and what they are going through. Talk to them as much as possible and listen when they talk to you, offering guidance and support when needed.

Fighting Peer Pressure

Fighting peer pressure is easier said than done. You remember what it was like, right? Kids can be brutal to one another, no matter how you slice it. Fitting in can seem like the only possible solution for children when they don’t have adequate support and guidance to tell them otherwise.

Social Media’s Negative Impacts

Ensure your kids know and understand negative impacts that social media can have on them and their peers. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is one of the most impactful reasons children want to have social media. Kids naturally want to be part of the group as they reach adolescence and grow into teenagers. The fact that 55% of the world’s population is hooked to the internet doesn’t help.

Children want to do what everyone else does and get discouraged when they can’t. This can lead to depression and anxiety in kids and harm their overall health. Internet addiction is a genuine concern among parents, as well. Your kids should have supervision and limitations regarding their online presence to prevent this from happening.

Find a Trusted Adult

When your child feels peer pressure to join social media or do anything they don’t want to, encourage them to find a trusted adult. Ask them who their favorite teacher is if they need guidance and support.

Offer ways for your kids to politely refuse and exit these conversations. Roleplay with them so they feel prepared to say no confidently when peer pressure arises. Ensure that you don’t judge your children but guide them in the right direction by listening. When your child feels like they can come to you with anything, they are less likely to hide things from you and make better decisions.

Be True to Yourself

Teach your kids to be true to themselves and not conform to what others do if it’s bad for them. Why would you want to hurt yourself that way? Pose questions like these to provide perspective and hold your child accountable for their actions. Teach them how they could suffer from poor decisions independently, not just for disciplinary reasons.

This knowledge could help your child become the voice of reason in their friend group and discourage others from buckling under pressure. Promoting positive information and how these situations can be avoided gives your child the proper ammo to confidently fight peer pressure and be grateful for your unwavering guidance and support.

There is less reason for concern when kids are mature enough to understand the risks and apply the appropriate amount of caution when using social media. This shouldn’t encourage you to change your stance on it, though.

Help Your Kids Fight Peer Pressure

There are many ways you can supervise your kids’ accounts and ensure they are protected and secure. However, stand firm in your decision if you don’t want them to have social media. Help them combat peer pressure by utilizing these tips to ensure your child avoids being bullied.

Navigating your kids’ screen time can be a struggle. Luckily, there are small strategies you can implement daily to enforce limited time on their phones.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Kids love video games. They’re fun, exciting, and can even be educational. However, there are some risks involved when playing online games. As a parent, taking the necessary steps protect your children from these dangers has never been more important.  The worst of these dangers are cyber criminals, predators and hackers.

They use online gaming platforms and gaming websites to seek out children to exploit or to use them as as a gateway to an attack.  Parents are the first defense against potential harm and it begins with understanding the risks of their children’s digital environment. So, how can you safeguard your children online? Here are some ways to keep your children safe online.

1. Parental Controls

There are two types of parental controls available to protect kids on smartphones, desktops, and consoles such as 3DS, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation is important.   Mobile devices such as phones, tablets and computers come with very limited filtering settings.  This includes when kids play online games such as Fortnite and Roblox.   For these types of computer related devices you will need to install parental controls apps or software.

Gaming on consoles, such as Nintendo, Xbox or PlayStation, will require parents to use built-in parental control settings.  There is no means to install parental controls on these types of consoles. You can set privacy settings on the console to limit who can message you and prevent strangers from seeing your name.

Keep your devices up-to-date:  Your child’s device should regularly updates with the most recent software patches. Many gaming consoles and other devices are launched with unknown vulnerabilities. Manufacturers release updates to address these vulnerabilities later. Hackers and cyber criminals can exploit unpatched vulnerabilities to infiltrate your network. This can give access to your network at work or other devices at home.

2. Age-appropriate Games

Parents can use video game ratings to determine whether the content is suitable for their children before they buy them. Ratings can vary depending on where they are located, what device they use, and what platform they are on.

PEGI, for example, is primarily used in Europe and Asia. PEGI 3 indicates that the game is suitable for all ages, while PEGI 18 signifies that the game contains adult content such as gross violence. Other numbers are determined based on the game’s level of violence or sexual content.

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rates game distributed in the United States. Instead of numbers, ESRB uses letters such as E if the content is suitable for everyone (or everyone) and An if it is only for adults.

The App Store uses global Application Ratings. Numbers indicate the ratings. Numbers indicate the rating. For example, a rating of 4+ indicates no objectionable material within the app. A rating of 17+ indicates that it may contain material unsuitable for children younger than 17.

Google Age Ratings are available for Android users. They are based on an International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system. These ratings are often based on the most popular regional ratings.

3. Use strong passwords

Use strong passwords for your children’s accounts and educate them about the importance of protecting them. They cannot give out their passwords or other personal information to anyone. They should not share login details or other private information in chats or social networking platforms.

You can teach them how to enable MFA (multiple-factor authentication) whenever possible.

Remind your children not to use the same password for multiple accounts to prevent credential stuffing attacks. They should also ensure that they log out of gaming accounts after they are finished using them.

4. Only Download from Trusted Sources

Remind children that they should only allow their parents to download expansions, apps, and games. Teaching older children about the dangers of downloading apps and games from other sites is important.

Hackers often spread malware disguised as a game app, expansion, or cheat code. Once they have downloaded the malware, hackers can gain greater access to the device.

It is important to remind your children that only official sites can be used for downloading games. While many official sites have security checks in place, there are still some bogus apps that can slip through the cracks. Make sure to always check out reviews before downloading any games.

5. Do not click links or download files from strangers

Your children should not click on links sent to them by strangers via chat. Security risks can be present even for links sent by friends. Many phishing links are sent to children who click them, thinking they will be able to download a cheat code.

It does not contain bonus content or cheat code but leads to a site that collects their information. The information collected may be used to commit identity theft or fraud.

Children should be aware that file attachments can contain malware.

7. Get Rid of the Headset?

Parents with small children are especially vulnerable. While you might think that a headset will quieten the house, it could be dangerous for your child to start talking to strangers. Online predators pose as children and lurk on gaming sites.

They may befriend children, gain their trust, and then abuse them.

Online grooming involves teaching children to keep their conversations secret from their parents. Parents don’t know their children are talking to predators, so they are tricked into sending photos or videos. Even worse, they may be forced to meet in person.

Online grooming is easier with a headset because parents don’t have to spot potential red flags immediately.

8. Do not use public Wi-Fi

Children might feel tempted to use a public, unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot to play on their mobile devices or Nintendo Switch while out. Connecting to such a network can pose security risks.

Hackers can position themselves between your child’s device and the connection point. They can access information such as passwords, email addresses, and credit card information (if they are used to purchase apps or make in-app purchases). They can also redirect internet traffic to the device.

Home WiFi Security:  While public Wi-Fi is always a concern, parent should also ensure Wi-Fi connections on their home network is fully secure.

From February-August 2022, hackers, primarily Russian, intensified attacks on providers’ and home networks in the Western hemisphere. They aimed to restore the transmission of misinformation to the audience worldwide. But that’s not only the single aim. Blackmail and personal data are widespread in the world.

Weak security on home WiFi networks is a common way that hackers target unsuspecting internet users.  So how do you fight against it? Let’s study this question of how to fix WiFi security to secure your devices and your family.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a radio network delivering the signal to the receivers on short distances sending data. Modern phones, tablets, and computers have an inboard Wi-Fi connector to contact the router. If the device hasn’t it or needs boosting for confident reception, the user can deploy adaptors. Or choose one of two bands – 2,4, or 5 GHz.

Network advantages

• Quicker data exchange. The devices at home synchronize at speeds of 300 Mbps or faster. Besides, they don’t need wires to connect.

• Freedom of exploiting the Internet in the signal range. Move the PC throughout the apartment without being afraid to lose connection.

Is Wi-Fi a secure way to transmit?

Theoretically, yes, but it’s possible to intercept the signal. Traditionally it sends encrypted signals containing the people’s queries and the website’s content. But these securing network measures aren’t enough because the hackers use different software to read the streams. The unauthorized clients can change the router settings in their favor or reduce the total speed. Or use it for fraud purposes.

How to increase the safety of the home network

The most vulnerable device is the router. It’s responsible for the file and data transmitted between the devices in the home and office. That’s the system heart that needs corresponding protection.

The first piece of advice to fix WiFi security is a regular software update. It contains the system settings and has a current threat roster. Any DDoS attack doesn’t disturb you. Then check the password used to connect to the Internet and change it every quarter to protect the home network. If the Wi-Fi belongs to the office or public place, this frequency is monthly or biweekly.

My favorite thing is to try to test entering the router’s home page and even try to join its control panel. I don’t intend to change the settings or break the Internet connection, but understand how their administrators protect the network. But what if the visitor collects these data and sends them to particular databases containing the list of equipment with unchanged default settings?

It increases vulnerability. Unauthorized users reduce the speed, reroute the traffic or even spy on what you are doing in bed with that girl from the shop while your wife is on night shift. To avoid this, change it if the provider allows that function. Some providers and manufacturers restrict it.

Dual-band Modems

The dual-band modems have the advantage of splitting the audience. For example, the home users connect on 2,4 GHz, and the guests or major consumers use the 5 GHz band. That measure allows us to estimate who causes harm to all other clients. I expect that you’ll use different passwords for these networks.

Some routers offer antivirus and antispam options. It’s a great addition to the newest WPA3 standard of protection. These ideas will improve the security of your territory. The essential feature is parenting control. It protects the children from undesired content.

Today cybercriminals try to use personal devices in their illegal practices. That is, the personal computers are under threat Wi-Fi says weak security too.

AirPlay and CarPlay Security Issues

Even Apple’s popular media streaming and vehicle integration protocols harbor potential security vulnerabilities that often go overlooked. These technologies rely on Wi-Fi connectivity to function, creating additional attack surfaces for malicious actors. Security researchers have identified weaknesses in authentication mechanisms that could allow unauthorized devices to connect, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks or unauthorized content streaming.

When CarPlay operates over wireless connections, it expands the vehicle’s attack surface beyond physical access, potentially exposing sensitive vehicle data and entertainment systems. Users should ensure their devices have the latest security updates and use strong Wi-Fi network security when utilizing these services to mitigate these risks.

Wrap Up

Even children are at risk when playing games online.  The IoT is still interesting for hackers as these items bring information about customers’ lifestyles and preferences. As a result, it gets spam. They have inner vulnerabilities allowing them to perform the undesired actions.

In addition to classic actions, include to the checklist:

• Regular operating system security updates on the personal devices;
• The highest parenting control settings won’t be excessive even if the family has no children;
• The routers with protective add-ons are more expensive but secure too. Don’t refuse to protect the home or office environment.

Advancing from 1st to 2nd grade requires new skills. In 2nd grade, kids face complex forms of problems on math topics they learned in grade 1, and the assignments are of increased difficulty levels. So, parents must prepare their children for the new session by offering them online classes on math for kids during holidays.

But parents can’t do that effectively without knowing the areas their kids need to improve. If you are a parent who wants to help your child settle into 2nd grade math education this summer, here are the new skills a child should gain.

Counting within 1000

With math games, 2nd-grade kids can learn how to count to 1000 and within 1000 by heart. In grade 1, kids learn how to count to 10 and then to 100. Now, in grade 2, they have to learn that after 100, a repeated progression will enable them to reach 1000.

Counting is the foundation of math, and learning how to count to 1000 opens up the mind of a child to more complex numbers and their compositions. The skill also builds kids’ confidence in handling other concepts like addition and subtraction.

Understanding place value in three-digit numbers

The concept of place value is learnt in math for 2nd graders because kids are now counting within 1000. As children count, they will come across numerous 3-digit numbers, which means they need to learn the way place value works and the value of each number.

Students will also learn what hundreds, tens, and units mean and how to tell them apart in multi-digit numbers. Kids need time to master the complicated concept, so they will benefit from starting early before the school calendar begins. Therefore, practicing with a child at home or signing them up for an online class is a great idea.

Comparing three-digit numbers

You can also expect 2nd graders to learn how to compare three-digit numbers. Having the understanding of place value, they can compare three-digit numbers using the greater than (>), the lesser than (<), and the equal to (=) symbols. Signing your kids up for a math lesson online will make learning this math skill easier.

Adding and subtracting within 1000

Kids learned how to add and subtract within 100 in first grade; now, they must understand how to do the same within 1000. Depending on the numbers added, 2nd graders will also learn to add three-digit numbers to get either a 3-digit number or a 4-digit one. Online math classes contain practice lessons where kids can use fun games and videos until they get very good at the topic.

Measurement

In 1st grade, students learned vague comparisons to get an idea of measurement, but in the 2nd grade, they will learn terms like length, width, and height. As they progress, the idea of measurement will hit even more complex levels; however, practice makes perfect, especially in math.

Educators designed measurement math games to help kids understand measurement easily. You can use different online math games to ensure your child’s learning process is optimal. The more times a kid repeats these games, the easier they sharpen their measurement skills.

Telling time to the nearest 5 minutes

Time is a fundamental concept, and when kids learn it in 1st grade, they are more enamored by the complexities of an analog clock than time itself. However, in 2nd grade, they begin to learn how time works. The easiest way to learn time is to tell it in the nearest 5 minutes.

Learning what each 5 means regarding timing and implications is a repetitive process. First, they start with what o’clock implies, then they learn the past 5s, past 10s, and past 15s till they get to the half-past concept and back to the o’clock. Besides using games to teach this math skill, introducing math worksheets to the mix will completely change the game for the better.

Solving word problems surrounding money

In 1st grade, a child’s first encounter with money starts with the fundamental “what is money?” question. Then, they learn all denominations of the currency and their value. In 2nd grade, kids have to solve word problems with money, which means applying addition and subtraction skills.

The good thing about money-related math for kids is that money is a very realistic representation of math. Therefore, almost every moment is a teachable one. As a parent, you can help kids understand money word problems by sending them on errands wherever you go shopping together.

An example of a word problem can be incorporated when you visit the vending machine. ‘I have four cents; I wanted a pack of cheerios which cost 2 cents; I put in the 2 cents inside the machine and got my pack of cheerios; how many cents do I have left?’

Reading graphs

Towards the end of 2nd grade, a teacher will introduce your child to an exciting math topic called picture and bar graphs. Kids often enjoy learning this concept because of all the engaging moments involved in the learning process. However, for the same reason, they can get very distracted, missing the essence of the lesson in the first place.

You can ensure that when your child faces this topic in class, they are not lost or distracted by signing up for a class at home. You can also learn the skill of reading the graphs according to the common core principles. It will help you practice with your kids at home using math worksheets for 2nd graders.

Conclusion

It is good to stay in the loop to know what your kid is learning in their new grade. You can follow a few recommendations that are included in this article to help your child learn math skills before a resumption day. If you enjoyed reading the article, you would love to practice with your child even more, especially with games and videos.

Additional Math Resources:

• Read about how to recognize and overcome math anxiety at an early age.
• Discover the 5 signs your child has math problems and how to deal with them.