Internet Use and Autism: How to Create an Online Safety Plan
The internet can be an expansive, but daunting place, especially with the ease of access to social media, gaming, and networking sites. This can be a positive thing for children on the autism spectrum as it invites new opportunities for them to learn, socialize, and form connections in the world. However, the digital world also comes with its own set of rules and complicated social expectations, which can leave children with autism more vulnerable to things like cyberbullying, scams, or phishing. Worried about your child’s safety online? Check out these critical safety tips for helping your child protect themselves on the internet.
4 Internet Safety Tips for Children with Autism
Create an Ongoing Dialogue
Engaging in an ongoing dialogue with your child about safe internet practices can equip them to explore the digital world with confidence and security. From online scams to stranger danger, children with autism may not always be aware of dangerous situations that take place on the internet. Discuss the warning signs and risks with your child in ways they can understand. Make sure they know that they should never share any of their personal information or agree to meet someone they've only talked to online. Provide concrete examples of online bullying and predatory behavior and discuss the most appropriate ways to respond. It’s also important to cover things like permanence on the internet and explain the repercussions of posting something inappropriate.
You might consider using a tool like social stories to provide examples of situations your child may encounter and help them understand how to navigate them.
2. Establish Ground Rules
Setting firm and explicit rules around internet use can not only protect your child online, but it can also prevent them from developing a digital addiction or relying too heavily on their online community. Include your child in the rule-setting process and discuss the importance of following these guidelines. It may be helpful to create a visual cue that you post near their devices to keep them on track.
You can also use this activity as an opportunity to talk about screen time and set appropriate limits to how much time your child spends online. Digital screens provide visual and auditory stimulation, which children with autism can be more sensitive to. Spending too much time in cyberspace can lead to overstimulation and make it difficult for them to regulate themselves or their emotions. This can also promote healthy internet consumption and prevent internet addiction later on in life.
3. Monitor Your Child’s Activities
Parental controls are an excellent tool for ensuring that your child has access to age-appropriate websites and protecting them from unsuitable content. You can employ parental limitations on your child’s phone, tablet, and laptop to restrict access to certain websites or apps. Apps like Bark are a great resource. You may also want to set up virus protection, privacy filters, or use a kid-friendly search engine to further protect your child’s online presence.
Of course you want to give your child privacy and respect their boundaries, but keeping an eye on your child's browsing history or social media apps can ensure your child isn’t unknowingly engaging in risky behavior or experiencing cyberbullying. Remember, parental controls aren’t foolproof and going the extra mile can also help you tailor your conversations about internet safety accordingly.
4. Be Vigilant
In an ever-increasingly digital world, protecting your child online has never been more important. Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest risks in cyberspace and regularly check for information on new scams that target children or websites your child is active on. It may take more than one conversation to cover the full territory of staying safe on the internet. Remind yourself to stay vigilant, be open, and come prepared to answer any questions or concerns from your child along the way.
Navigating something as complicated as the internet can be distressing for children with autism and their parents, but with a little patience, preparation, and understanding, it is possible to create an online safety plan that protects your child while still encouraging them to experience all the positive opportunities the internet has to offer.
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