Summer Safety for Playing Online

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Summer break is just around the corner for school kids of all ages and that means many will have a lot of extra free time on their hands.

With that free time, children and teens may find themselves turning to their phones and other electronic devices, spending more time online.

This week, Jason Weber, the Vice President of Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association spoke with SERVPRO of West Brown County about online safety for the kids this summer.

Jason says, first of all, it would be ideal if parents can have their children limit their screen time. He says it’s great to get online, talk with friends and play some games, but that it is important to be active as well. Jason encourages getting outside to play.

Jason advises that when you do get outside, leave the phone alone. He says too often young people are so distracted by their phones when they’re out and about they can injure themselves by walking into things like trees and trashcans, or even into traffic.

When it comes to online activity, however, Jason says there is really one rule above all that EVERYONE should follow. That is only speaking to or playing games with people that you know. Children, in particular, should only interact with friends they’ve met in real life or family members.

There are too many people out there with ulterior motives. Jason says making sure your kids know who they’re talking to can cut down on the danger significantly.

However, Jason reiterates, that it’s a good idea to limit screen time this summer and get outside and enjoy the great weather!