WHEN TO LET YOUR CHILD LOOSE ON THE INTERNET

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when a child should be allowed to go online unsupervised, as it depends on various factors such as the child’s age, maturity level, and understanding of online safety. Online includes a wide variety of access to the internet, surfing Google, online shopping, playing games on your phone, watching a YouTube show and even streaming TV. They all are doors to the worldwide web.

However, some general guidelines that you can consider include:

Age: Most experts recommend waiting until at least age eight or ten before allowing kids to go online unsupervised.

Maturity level: Consider your child’s level of maturity and their ability to make responsible decisions when it comes to their online activity.

Understanding of online safety: Make sure your child understands the potential dangers of the internet, such as cyberbullying and stranger danger, and has a clear understanding of how to protect their personal information.

Trust: Trust is key when it comes to online safety. If you have confidence in your child’s ability to make responsible decisions online, you may feel comfortable allowing them to go online unsupervised at an earlier age.

Parental controls: Utilize parental controls to block inappropriate content and to limit the amount of personal information that is shared, even when your child is unsupervised.

It’s important to remember that no matter the age, kids should always be supervised to some degree when they are online. Regularly check in on their devices and accounts and continue to educate them about online safety and privacy.