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With increased online activity comes greater risk for your children to be preyed on online. Get tips on how to keep children safe online HERE:

As the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic forces almost the whole of humanity to stay at home to keep safe, it's inevitable for people to turn to their gadgets to stay connected, continue learning and working, and to keep themselves entertained.

And consequently, this surge in internet usage in children, puts them at a greater risk of falling victim to online harassment, sexual abuse, and exploitation.

Children are more at risk of falling victim to online predators during the COVID-19 pandemic / Image Source: Pexels

Senior Producer for UNICEF Priyanka Pruthi said, “The Coronavirus pandemic has created a perfect storm for online predators to lure children who are lonely, confused and maybe looking for validation.”

Therefore, UNICEF has given five tips on how parents can keep their children safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Open Communication

Having open conversations with your children is the best way to keep track of their activities online.

Talk to your children about which sites or apps they use most and who they engage with. Set a schedule of how long they can stay online, and encourage them to do activities that do not require using their laptops or cellphones.

2. Use Protection Tools

Make sure your children's device is running the latest software and anti-virus programs.

Cover the web cams when not in use and check the privacy settings on your children's gadget and browser. You can also set-up the parental controls and use safety features like Google's Safe Search.

3. Watch What They Share

Remind your children not to share personal information, especially with strangers online. Learning sites will not require your kids to upload photos or provide private information.

Tell them to ask for your guidance whenever they are asked to share private information or photos.

4. Look Out for Warning Signs

Observe your children and check on them once you notice a change in behavior, such as being withdrawn, secretive, or depressed, as this might have something to do with their increased online activity.

5. Report Cyberbullying

Familiarize yourself with their school's policies regarding bullying.

List the contact numbers of support helplines, so you can report any incidence of cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

The best way to keep your children safe online is to be aware of their online activities and who they interact with. So, stay vigilant and be always available to extend guidance when they need it.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.

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