I don’t post a whole lot of personal stuff here but this news it too exciting to keep to myself: I’M GOING TO BE AN UNCLE! While this isn’t exactly brand spanking new news, I’m finally allowed to talk about it. My youngest sister is expecting her first child and it’s a super exciting time for my family.

While we were chatting recently she brought up some concerns about bringing a child up in today’s world. So much has changed from we were kids including the immersion of technology into every aspect of our lives.

She asked me my advice about raising a child in today’s online world. While I don’t think my little nephew will be joining up on Instagram any time soon, I think it’s important that lessons about the online world start early and happen often.

While many of the most popular social media web sites are restricted to the 13 and over crowd, this doesn’t stop youngins from getting online the internet or taking advantage of communicating through technology. From a very early age they see tech being used regularly. Snapping a cute photo, sharing through social media, texting, finding recipes on Pinterest- they see it all! It’s only natural that they want to be a part of it.

Talk To Them Early

There is no such thing as starting conversations with your child about online safety too early. This is a big part of the reason why I offer Internet Safety programs for elementary students. Even if we simply boil these lessons down to the basics, it’s important that they happen. Before you know it, you’ll be handing over a smart device to your child to Facetime with Grandma or play a game. Be sure they know the rules!

Talk To Them Often

Look for natural opportunities to communicates online safety rules and values with your children as often as possible. Keep an eye on current events and even within the programs your kids are watching for “teachable moments”. Talk about the actions over others and the subsequent consequences along with what your child can do to avoid getting into the same situations.

Don’t just apply this rule to the internet but all aspects of life!

Communicate Your Own Values

Throughout the course of your regular conversations with your child, be sure to communicate to them how you feel about certain situations kids are finding themselves in. Many parents believe that if they avoid having certain conversations, they aren’t planting ideas into their child’s heads about bad behaviour. I have found the opposite to be true. By discussing the heavy issues such as sexting, bullying, inappropriate behavior, etc. you are letting your child know that you are paying attention. This was cause them to think twice about their behavior in the future.

Discuss All the Dangers

While predators, bullies and thieves make the most headlines, there are the other dangers of the internet lurking out there. Remind them to be careful about opening strange emails or clicking on links. Kids are more prone to this behavior especially with so many offers of free games or new technology. Make sure they understand that, while there are many good intentioned people out there, there are those looking to cause trouble including malware, viruses and Trojan horses.

Remember the Golden Rule

Remind your kids often that whether they are online or in the real world, they should always be treating other people like they want to be treated. Regardless of the social media site or the promise of being anonymous, they should always ask the question “Would I say this to somebody’s face?” Remind them of the permanence of the online world. Once you hit that enter button, it’s not going anywhere!

Josh Gunderson is an award-winning Bullying Prevention and Social Media Specialist. Josh has appeared on MTV, Comedy and National Geographic. For more information about Josh and his educational programs please visit www.HaveYouMetJosh.com

You can purchase Josh’s book “Cyberbullying: Perpetrators, Bystanders & Victims” on Amazon! Available in paperback or for Kindle.