Technology has had a significant impact on parenting in the digital era, according to a working father with two children who has been involved in online safety outreach for 17 years. While there are clear benefits of technology for children’s growth and learning, there are also potential dangers when children are exposed to age-inappropriate content and online scams.

The Asia Pacific Kids & Families Online Safety Survey found that the majority of parents in the region, 78%, feel confident talking to their kids about online safety. This is encouraging news, demonstrating that parents are actively engaged in ensuring the safety of their children online.

One of the main online safety issues identified in the survey is children seeing inappropriate content online. This occurred at least once for 61% of children, a slight increase from 54% the previous year. This emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in implementing measures to protect their children from stumbling upon inappropriate material while online.

Additionally, the survey revealed that children also encounter misinformation, deceptive ads or spam, and violent content online. These issues highlight the importance of educating children about the potential risks they may encounter while using the internet and equipping them with the necessary skills to identify and handle such content.

To address these concerns, parental controls can be an effective tool in managing and monitoring children’s online activities. Parental controls allow parents to set limits on the types of content their children can access and the amount of time they spend online. By utilizing these controls, parents can create a safe online environment for their children and prevent them from stumbling upon harmful or inappropriate material.

In addition to implementing parental controls, open and ongoing communication between parents and children about online safety is crucial. Parents should establish clear rules and guidelines regarding internet usage, discuss the potential risks and dangers, and encourage children to approach them if they encounter any issues or concerns while online.

Furthermore, parents should stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in online safety. Online scams and dangers are continually evolving, and it is essential for parents to stay updated on the current threats. This can involve attending seminars or workshops on online safety, following reliable sources of information, and actively engaging with online safety communities.

Ultimately, ensuring the online safety of children requires a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and technology companies. Parents play a crucial role in setting boundaries and educating their children about responsible online behavior. Educators can incorporate online safety into their curriculum and provide guidance and support to students. Technology companies have a responsibility to develop and improve safety features and provide resources for parents and children to navigate the digital landscape safely.

In conclusion, technology has greatly impacted parenting in the digital era. While there are benefits, there are also potential dangers. It is encouraging to see that a majority of parents in Asia Pacific feel confident in talking to their children about online safety. However, the prevalence of children encountering inappropriate content online highlights the need for proactive measures, such as parental controls and ongoing communication. With a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and technology companies, we can create a safer online environment for our children.