Keep Your Kids Safe Online with The Smart Talk @Lifelock #TheSmartTalk #CG

Having two teenagers in high school, I’ve learned a lot about what it’s like to have kids glued to their smart devices all day. Though, I cannot complain too much about it because my job as a blogger and social media influencer also has me engaging on my smart phone most of the day.  My fourth grader also enjoys being connected (online but without phone/text capabilities), so to keep my family grounded, safe, respectful, and to maintain our privacy it’s important to have ground rules set. With ground rules about online behavior and usage, we can all have healthy digital habits as well as knowing when it’s time to disconnect.   This is where The Smart Talk digital tool created by LifeLock and National PTA comes into play.  It’s a new and free resource for families that helps parents have clear conversations with their children about using technology and agree on ground rules together.

The following accessibility and usage facts have been found:

With technology playing an ever-increasing role in our lives,  a majority of children receiving their first smart phone is occurring between the ages of 8 and 12. While 79 percent of families have technology agreements with their children, only 6 percent of those are written.¹

Kids are spending countless hours using devices and on the Internet- 92 percent of teens report going online daily, with 24 percent of those teens going online “almost constantly.”²

<sup>1. Commissioned study conducted by ResearchNow on behalf of LifeLock, adults 18 and older were surveyed online between July 20-24, 2015.
2. Pew Research Center, Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015, April 9, 2015 – paragraph 2, sentence 1</sup>

My older two children were 13 when we allowed them their first phones, but all three of them had access to a smart device by age 9.  From experience, I’ve stumbled upon an inappropriate web page or accidentally clicked on a video that shocked me even as an adult.  These things happen, but many times curiosity or peer pressure can perpetuate an already iffy situation.  We’ve talked to our older children a bit more maturely about the dangers that are out there online.  Unfortunately, there has been local incidents of online bullying as well as missing children cases all due to breaches of internet safety in their junior high and high school and it’s downright scary!   Not only that, having a senior in high school, she’s getting ready to apply to colleges as well as getting her first job.  Her online social media footprint exists and we’ve encouraged making smart decisions because ultimately her future depends on it!

I used The Smart Talk digital tool with my youngest daughter first, and later with my 14 and almost 17 year olds who can benefit from a refresher course on what we’ve discussed in the past. The Smart Talk provides an interactive experience that guides kids and parents through a series of questions and conversations surrounding 7 topics such as:

1. Safety and Privacy
In this first section, you talk about how to protect yourself and your personal information.  You agree on items such as parental controls used on any and all devices and the use and sharing of passcodes (as well as tips on creating them).  I’ve personally been online for almost 8 years and I try my best to not over-share items, which may not be as obvious to young children.  My 9-year old agreed to not post her address, passwords, or any other information that could infringe our privacy.

2.  Screen Time
Even though there’s lots of stuff to learn and do on the internet, there’s even more offline!  This section makes sure we enjoy life disconnected by putting down our devices every now and again and that you and your child agree on time limits.  Also, discuss with your child when it’s appropriate to use your device and when it isn’t (like at the dinner table).

3. Social Media
Things are always changing on social media, what’s popular today may not be tomorrow. Here you decide together which social media sites are age-appropriate and best to join now or later. Who can your kids engage with on Facebook, Twitter, or SnapChat?

4. Apps and Downloads
Free apps are game, but still need to be confirmed by mom and dad. Open the discussion on what can be downloaded to your child’s device, what the ratings are, and how will you pay for something your really want.

5. Texting and Calling
My nine year old can imessage mom and dad on our devices, but doesn’t have calling ability.  The older kids and I discussed time limits, being kind and respectful in conversations via text and voice, and group chats.
Don’t forget , face-to-face conversations are the best….especially if mom is in the other room!

6. Reputation and Respect
To remain the smart, responsible, and loving kids I believe my children to be, we agreed to

• Never lie about, fool, or bully others.
• Respect other people’s privacy.
• Say something to Mom if there’s any bullying (witnessed or experienced personally) or if something just doesn’t feel right.

As a blogger and a mom, I tend to post stories or photos of my children that I love which sometimes embarrass them.  I also agreed to check with them on questionable photos or messages before I post as to allow them personal rights on how they may or may not want to be portrayed!  It does go both ways!

7. Online Videos and Cameras
Camera shots and video can get tricky online, especially with SnapChat being a popular app that has images disappearing after a very short period of time.

• Always ask permission before taking a photo or video of someone.
• Always ask permission before posting or forwarding a photo or video of someone.
• Think before posting personal pictures or videos and make sure they are respectful. (Ask yourself, would I show these to my parents or my teacher?)
• Never publicly embarrass or bully someone by sharing unflattering photos or videos.
• Only view age-appropriate videos online.

After agreeing on healthy limits together, a personalized, official family agreement can be printed and posted at home.  Be an ear to your children so they always know talking with parents about anything that feels questionable is best.  It’s so important to keep the lines of communication open with your children from a very young age so when they get to high school they’re still filling you in on their lives! Now are you ready to sit down with your child to discuss The Smart Talk?

Visit the Smart Talk site to check out the online safety resources and create your own personalized family contract to encourage healthy digital habits.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.