We are now on the third and final installment of this series where the topic has been internet safety. If you remember anything from these articles let it be that implementing safety rules for your child’s electronic devices is not punishment, it is protection.

So as parents or guardians, what are some steps you can take to ensure internet safety? Here’s a few:

• Think about what you want your children to have access to, and what you do not want them to have access to on the internet. Make a list of the things you would like to block and set your security settings on your device accordingly. Don’t know how to do it? You can Google how to do this, talk to other responsible adults who can, or take your phone into the place of purchase for assistance.

• Understand that even if you don’t have WIFI in your home, you child can still have internet access. Devices such as tablets and smartphones, can pick up on public WIFI when your child is out and about. Locations such as coffee shops, libraries, and malls often have free public WIFI. There is also an option called “Hot Spot”, where a device can link onto another devices internet connection if the permission is given.

• Consider having a phone nest. This can be as simple as a basket where all the family phones sit to charge overnight. Because let’s face it, if the phones are in the bedroom, chances are they are being used late into the night.

• Gaming systems such as the Playstation 4, XBOX ONE, XBOX 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Switch, and some others have internet access. These systems also have parental controls that you could and should activate. Gaming systems can also be a part of the “nest” strategy. Unhook the controllers, or take the power cord, and place it inside the nest at night.

• Move TV’s, computers, gaming systems, and other electronic devices into a main living room where there is plenty of traffic from family members.

• Look over the apps on any electronic device. If you don’t recognize the icron, research the app. Remember, some apps are made to look like regular phone functions such as calculators.

• Have open and honest conversations with your kids about setting boundaries, and what is appropriate/innappropriate internet behavior.

• For more information I suggest these resources from Focus on the Family. Please visit: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/family-safety

Thank you for coming reading along with this series as we addressed what can be viewed as an “unpopular” subject. Our youth are worth protecting, and if we don’t advocate for their safety, no one else will. We live in a different world, folks. Long gone are the days of Sonic the Hedgehog on Sega. We’re playing in a different league, and we have to learn a new game. I wish you all the best as you travel this path!

Jennifer Avery is the Director of the non profit agency, “The Rowan Fund”, which seeks to support adoptive and foster families in Okmulgee County. She resides in Morris, OK with her husband and two children. Questions or comments? Send them to RowanFamilyTree@gmail.com.