Kids and Cybersecurity
It’s nearly impossible to avoid technology today, especially when it comes to kids. It helps us accomplish daily tasks, and it’s become an essential tool for modern schooling. It’s ingrained in our everyday lives. So how can you ensure that your kids are being safe, and learning the correct skills to protect themselves?
Know your child’s technology.
It’s good to know what technology your kids will be using for the school year. Are they using a laptop? An iPad? Maybe a special calculator? Do they have a cell phone? And beyond that, we encourage you to know the passwords to all of their devices and online accounts, as well as the adult control settings.
Use parental controls.
On any computer, iPad, phone, web browser, etc., it may be a good idea to establish parental controls. This allows you to determine what level of access your children have to the internet, what files and information they can download, and it allows you to monitor their activity.
Create strong passwords.
Once you know what kind of technology your kids are using, teach them about password management. Help them learn how to create strong passwords and remind them to never share their passwords with anyone on the internet.
Be mindful when sharing your own passwords with your children, particularly any phone codes or pin numbers that could allow them to breach parental controls you’ve established. Generally, it’s also considered ‘best practice’ to use a different password for each of your accounts— which can be helpful in the event your child learns one of your passwords without your knowledge. Kids watch everything you do, and they learn quickly!
Lastly, we encourage the use of multi-factor authentication. If your child learns your password and attempts to log into your account, having multi-factor authentication means they must verify identity through an additional step, such as receiving a code sent via text message or email. This helps prevent them from gaining access to your account without your knowledge.
Check out this blog on how to create safe passwords.
Talk with your children about what they share online.
Do your kids know not to tell anyone their address? How about their phone number? Or passwords? Do they understand that they shouldn’t talk to strangers online, just as they shouldn’t in real life?
It’s important for kids to know that online profiles can be deceiving. People can, and will, lie about who they are and what they want. Children should understand that just because someone says they are an 8-year-old kid from Michigan, it doesn’t mean they actually are.
Understand the dangers of cyberbullying.
Before you can help your children learn about cyberbullying, it’s important to understand its risks and dangers as a parent. Cyberbullying can occur in a variety of forms, including, as defined by StopBullying.gov, “sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.”
Although cyberbullying occurs virtually, the negative effects it presents to people’s lives are very real. Cyberbullying can cause mental health issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more. The emotional damage can be long-lasting, even after the bullying has stopped.
For more info on Cyberbullying, check out this blog from Kaspersky
It’s important for kids (and adults!) to understand that their actions in the digital space are not anonymous, and they will be held responsible. Children who engage in cyberbullying can experience consequences as defined by the school districts, such as suspension or expulsion, and even criminal penalties, if they are found guilty.
Remember that open communication with your child is key. Inform them of the potential risks of cyberbullying and create a trusting environment where they can express their concerns and experiences if they feel they have been a victim.
Here are some help lines & resources
AND REMEMBER
The best way to teach kids is to lead by example! Children look up to the adults around them and often mirror the behavior they observe. You can help set a good example for them by practicing these guidelines yourself.