How To Create A Safe Online Learning Environment For Kids

The current transformation of teaching and learning has been spearheaded by technology. It gained widespread traction in 2020, and two years later, data indicates that online learning will be worth $12.81 billion by 2024. For younger and older kids ranging from 4 – 17 years, there is a great need to safeguard their online learning environment. They are minors whose protection is in the hands of parents, guardians, and the school in question. Here are some tips to ensure a safe online learning environment to support your child’s education.

Understand the risks involved

If your kids are currently utilizing online teaching and learning platforms, they might have started only two years ago. And their e-learning platforms may have gained attention after the pandemic. Whatever your peculiar case is, it is crucial to undertake a risk analysis of this e-learning platform. This helps you comprehend your risk profile and how to mitigate the potential dangers lurking out there. Admittedly, e-learning on its own presents certain undeniable risks because it runs on internet connectivity.

This has been a topical issue due to the weaknesses it presents in matters surrounding cybersecurity. From this perspective, you will be right to heighten your focus on the additional risks these online learning platforms present. Furthermore, understanding the dangers creates an opportunity to prioritize necessary mitigation measures. You cannot overlook the importance of understanding potential risks and being ready for them.

Invest in authentic online teaching and learning software

Any remote learning app or software your child uses must be from a verifiable source. The reason is that some e-learning platforms are inundated with data security issues. A verifiable source can be trusted because they have gone through a series of tests and reviews to ascertain the authenticity of its product. For example, the LanSchool teaching software for schools is trusted because of its association with the global tech giant Lenovo. In other words, choosing authentic teaching software increases your child’s safety while learning online. To be sure of what you have, you can always check and look for their license.

Monitor their online activity

A safe online learning environment begins with you, the parent, or the guardian. It is vital to track and monitor your kids’ activities on the internet. Even better, recording their activities can give you ample evidence that aids in taking more stringent decisions regarding how your children interact online. This must be a key feature on any e-learning and teaching platform your kids use. Failure to do this can be a breach of care in your role as a parent or direct supervisor. Monitoring online activities include knowing the sites visited, time spent on these pages, and other interactions.

According to reports on online activities, data shows that children are most at risk of falling victim to predators. Minors are vulnerable, inexperienced, and naturally willing to offer information when pressed. With this in mind, monitoring their online activities will help prevent unhealthy conversations before they start. If the school provides the e-learning platform, your first step would be to bring any loopholes to their attention.