In today's digital age, children are growing up surrounded by technology. The internet can be an awesome tool in your child’s learning - they can get access to the most up-to-date information, explore their interests and connect with family and friends.
Unfortunately, it is also swarming with dangers which may pose a threat to your child’s safety.
As parents, we want to help our kids get the most out of the internet while keeping them safe.
So, how do you teach your kids about being safe in the digital world? Here are a few tips we need to remember:
How to Teach Your Child About Online Safety
- Openly Communicate with Your Child About Digital Literacy As Early as Possible
Begin the conversation about online safety early in your child's life. As soon as they start using digital devices, discuss the basics of internet safety, such as not sharing personal information, being cautious about online friends, and understanding the consequences of their online actions.
Create an open and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns or uncomfortable encounters they may have had while navigating the digital space.
- Teach Critical Thinking
Instill critical thinking skills to help your child assess the reliability of online information. Teach them to question what they read, fact-check, and verify sources. This will empower them to navigate the vast sea of information responsibly, which is very important in the age of clickbait content and fake news.
Engage your child in discussions about hypothetical online scenarios. Ask questions like, "What would you do if someone you don't know tries to add you as a friend?" This helps them think critically about potential risks and appropriate responses.
- Set Clear Boundaries
Establish clear rules regarding screen time, appropriate content, and online interactions. Discuss the importance of respecting these boundaries and the reasons behind them. Consistency is key in reinforcing these rules.
Does Your Child’s Gadget Have Suitable Features to Protect Them Against Online Harm?
Another way to protect our kids from online dangers is by being proactive with installing or activating safety features and parental controls on their devices. These tools allow us to set time limits, block inappropriate content, and track our kids’ online behaviour.
Choosing the right gadget is also an essential component of keeping them safe online. How do you do that? Here's what you need to consider:
- Research Parental Control Features
Before purchasing a device, thoroughly research the parental control features it offers. Look for options that allow you to set time limits, block specific websites or apps, and monitor your child's online activity.
- Enable Safe Search
Configure search engines to enable safe search features. This helps filter out explicit content and ensures that your child receives age-appropriate search results.
- Regularly Update Software
Keep the device's operating system and apps up to date. Software updates often include security patches that protect against potential vulnerabilities and ensure a safer online experience.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series: Made With Your Child’s Safety and Interest in Mind
When it comes to our children’s welfare and protection, only the best and most trusted products come to mind. For tablets, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series tops the list.
It has all the makings of a great learning companion for your child.
It features a big screen (up to 12.4”) that can encourage your child to develop their doodling & colouring skills through fun drawing apps. It comes with the in-box S Pen for easy drawing, notetaking and handwriting practice. They’re great to use alongside creative apps such as Samsung PENUP and Clip Studio Paint. Popular notetaking app, Goodnotes is also now available for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series, with 1 year of free subscription.
Plus, Samsung Singapore is working with local content providers to enrich the educational content for Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series that will be suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years old.
For parents worried about the negative effects of screen time including eye strain, Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series come with Eye Comfort Shield that automatically adjusts the display’s colour temperature based on usage patterns to reduce eye fatigue.
A safe environment for children with Samsung Kids
If this is your child’s first entry into the digital landscape, you’ll be thrilled to know that like all Samsung Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE gives you access to Samsung Kids. The built-in feature provides a safe environment for the young ones to explore and connect to the online world while giving parents access to monitor and control their child’s digital activities.
A bunch of family-friendly activities that are geared towards learning and fun are available on Samsung Kids, such as Crocro’s Adventure, a game that lets children learn the basics of block coding or Cooki’s Collection, an interactive game that helps children develop healthy eating habits by collecting different kinds of fruit.
You can rest easy knowing that you are still in control of what your child is exposed to with parental access to their user dashboard, as well as settings to allocate playtime and even a reminder for bedtime.
An Added Layer of Protection
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is secured by Samsung Knox which helps ensure that personal data stays private and secure.
For an added layer of reassurance, turn on Auto Blocker (now available with One UI 6 software update) to block your child from installing apps from unauthorised sources, as well as defend against malicious activities.
Finally, when it comes to equipping your child with any digital devices, quality and longevity are important. You want them to last. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is rated IP68, which means they are dust, dirt, sand and water-resistant - making them easy to wipe down after playtime.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series is part of the recently launched Galaxy FE ecosystem, which includes the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Buds FE. For parents looking to introduce smart devices to children without the fear of breaking the bank, consider these Fan-Editions devices, which provide a flagship experience at a more wallet-friendly price point.
Guiding our children through the digital landscape is not just about imparting knowledge but instilling a sense of responsibility and critical thinking. By actively engaging in open conversations, setting boundaries, and fostering digital literacy, we equip them with the skills to navigate the online world safely.
Arm your child with the best tool they can use to learn and explore with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series.
From 11 November 2023 to 12 January 2024, every purchase of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+ comes with a free Joguman or Marvel Standing Pouch (that is worth $128).
And as an added treat to our readers, use “AP10S9FE" to enjoy 10% off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ when you purchase them at the Samsung Online Store in the month of December.
To learn more about the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, visit here.