5 Ways Parents Can Talk To Their Children About Online Safety

The Internet has become a scary place for adults and children alike. But, the Internet can be even scarier when it comes to being a parent with a child old enough to use computers, tablets, and smartphones. Parents are always looking for new and innovative ways to speak with their children about being safe online. In this post, we will discuss five excellent methods that parents can employ the next time they need to speak about Internet safety with their children.

Emphasize the Public Nature of the Internet

One of the first things a parent must do when speaking with a child about online safety is to emphasize the public nature of the Internet. Let the child know that anything they send digitally; emails, texts, pictures or other items, could wind up in the wrong hands and in front of millions of people who should not see the content. The stronger the privacy settings are on their accounts, the less likely it is that they will receive or send inappropriate material.

Always Initiate the Conversations

An excellent tip when talking with your children about online safety is to always initiate the conversations. If you wait until your child comes to you for advice, or with questions, he or she might already be in trouble on the Internet. When you initiate the conversation, you put your child in the position to avoid issues online. The conversations should occur as part of everyday life and be originated when watching the news or hearing about online bullying or sexting cases.

Listen Without Judging

If you have initiated the conversation, as mentioned above, you might get open dialogue in return from your child. Do not turn this open dialogue into an interrogation or a time to judge your child if he or she offers up any issues they have run into while using the Internet. Even if they share a very difficult situation with you, the need for the conversation to remain free of judgment is very important.

Make Your Values Known

Another important thing to consider when talking to your children about online safety is that you should make your values known. These values can be how you expect your children to act in school, at someone else’s house, at a restaurant and even online. Let them know that bullying is unacceptable not only at school but also online. Also, make it known that sexting and sending pictures of their body is not acceptable in the least bit. Have this conversation every so often in order to refresh their memories about your values.

Encourage Child to ‘Friend’ or ‘Follow’ on Social Media

When talking to your child about online safety, be sure to encourage them to ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ you on social media. There is absolutely nothing wrong with parents and children following each other or friending each other on Twitter, Facebook or another social media site. In fact, when this happens, it makes it easier for the parent to be watchful of what the child is posting, who he or she is talking to and how they act towards others online.

As you can see, online safety is very important and continues to be a hot topic across the country. The sooner you talk with your child about the dangers of the Internet and how they can stay safe, the less likely it is that they will come across problems when online for school or fun.

4 New Technologies that are Changing the Fitness Industry

The fitness industry has changed greatly over the past five-plus years because of technology. Some believe these changes are for the better, while others have been reluctant to introduce technology into their daily workout routines. Whether the technology is used to market gyms, track health data, provide 24-7 access to customers or obtain free instruction; the fitness industry heavily relies on new technology.

Marketing and Social Media

Marketing has been around for quite some time, but social media is still fairly new. Nowadays people can find gyms, fitness instructors, tutorials and other important information about the industry using the internet and social media. So many instructors and personal trainers have their own Facebook and Twitter accounts these days that you have to sift through thousands of results to find the ones you like best. Because of social media questions can be answered within minutes when it comes to workouts, diets, running tips and more.

Tracking Health Data

Even the most uninterested of people are beginning to track their health data thanks to all the new technology out there today. The Apple iWatch has helped this aspect of the fitness industry explode. Prior to the iWatch, it was the Fitbit. Millions of people are using these devices, along with their smartphones, to track their heart rate, calories, steps taken and biometric statistics on a daily basis.

24-7 Gym Access

Gone are the days of gyms closing at 10 pm and all the employees going home. Now, with the technology available, customers can use a key fob or swipe a card to gain access to their local gym at all hours of the day. No one has to be at the front desk to sign people in or even let them in the door. 24/7 fitness is becoming a popular option across the country, in large part due to the technology, but also because people’s schedules are so overloaded these days.

Free Instruction Videos

For those who are new to the fitness world and are working out seriously for the first time, free instruction videos found on YouTube can make all the difference. Now people can learn Zumba moves and other workouts online in the privacy of their own home before they join a club or gym and exercise in front of other people. This goes a long way for people who are shy, embarrassed about their body and who do not have the confidence yet to exercise in front of others.

Technology has played and continues to play a major role in the ever-changing fitness industry. Has it helped you become healthier? Did it take you a while to let technology into your exercise routine? We’d love to hear all about it by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

The Best 3 Apps to Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

Running a business takes a lot of time, effort, and energy. No one wants to see it flounder simply because you failed to utilize the apps available today. If you truly want to run a smooth business, consider using the three apps discussed in this post. You will be glad you did.

Square

Still looking for the best way to accept credit cards? Look no further than Square. Square has become the go-to app for businesses large and small that accept credit card payments. This app if perfect for the entrepreneur or other small business that doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location.

For example, many artists use Square to sell their artwork at showcases across the country. All they need to do is have a smartphone or tablet. Some of the benefits of Square include:

• Square charges $2.75 per transaction, which is cheaper than the credit card companies.
• There are no startup fees or monthly fees required to use Square.
• The app is free to download.
• No equipment is needed to use Square.

Google Drive

Google Drive has quickly become a favorite of small businesses that employ workers all over the country. Freelancers, contractors, and other remote workers can connect with their employers using Google Drive 24/7.

Benefits of Google Drive for small businesses include:

• Free to use.
• First 15 MB of storage is free.
• File sharing.
• Mobile accessible.
• Collaboration capabilities.

HootSuite

Haven’t heard of HootSuite? How is that possible? HootSuite has made it incredibly easy for businesses to manage their social media accounts all from one place. The app, which is available on smartphones, helps companies manage their social media campaigns all times of the day. HootSuite has scheduling options, analytics and much more for small businesses.

If you run a small business and have yet to try any of the three apps discussed in this post, you need to make a change and fast. Square, Google Drive, and HootSuite have redefined how companies operate in the office and on the go. Now it’s your turn.