IHRAM.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Since the COVID-19 pandemic took place, most people have been spending more and more time online, including children who use the internet to connect with their friends and teachers to virtually do school activities from home.

This is also a challenge for parents to ensure digital space is safe for children. According to Facebook Asia Pacific Head of Safety, Amber Hawkes, the main thing parents can do is to start conversations, and create open ways of communicating.

"Conversations about safety online should be a part of everyday life - just like conversations about the 'dangers of strangers' or being vigilant when crossing the road, and these conversations must start early," Hawkes said in a written statement received Tuesday (9/2). .

As part of the conversation about safety online, children must understand that access to electronic devices and the internet must be based on responsibility. They also have a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe online.

Coinciding with the World Safe Internet Day that falls today, here are five key tips from Hawkes in keeping children safe online.

1. Stay involved in the digital world of children

Make time to spend time with your child when they are online. If your child enjoys playing video games, sit near him. If your teen uses Facebook or Instagram, talk to them about making friends or following them on social media.

Berbicaralah dengan mereka tentang dengan siapa mereka terhubung dan apa yang mereka bagikan. Katakan juga bahwa mereka dapat berbicara dengan Anda kapanpun ketika mereka melihat atau mengalami hal yang membuat mereka tidak nyaman di ranah online.

2. Gunakan pengaturan privasi dan keamanan

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, dan Messenger memiliki pengaturan untuk memberikan orang kendali terhadap apa yang mereka bagikan, dengan siapa mereka membagikannya, apa yang mereka lihat, dan siapa yang bisa menghubungi mereka.

Sebagian besar dari pengaturan ini diaktifkan secara langsung untuk anak di bawah umur, tapi Anda sebaiknya tetap mengecek pengaturan privasi dan keamanan secara rutin.

3. Buat kesepakatan sebagai keluarga

Buatlah kesepakatan bersama mengenai peraturan penggunaan perangkat elektronik, akses ke internet dan media sosial, dan jelaskan konsekuensi atas pelanggaran peraturan tersebut.

Tergantung dari usia anak Anda, Anda dapat membicarakan tentang konsekuensi yang lebih serius (seperti konsekuensi hukum) ketika mereka membagikan jenis konten tertentu seperti gambar intim yang tidak mendapatkan persetujuan.

4. Tunjukkan contoh yang baik

Jika Anda membuat peraturan kepada anak seperti, "tidak boleh menggunakan handphone di atas jam 8 malam" atau "tidak boleh menggunakan handphone di kamar," Anda juga harus melakukan hal yang sama.

5. Belajar bersama anak

Technology is always evolving, and young people are learning it fast. If your child starts using a new app, ask them to show you how the app works.

This is an opportunity to connect with your child, see what they are doing online, and discuss safety online. We recommend that you also do independent research on the privacy, safety and security features of the application.