Parents around the world are well aware of the countless benefits offered by the internet and cyber security for kids. With the Internet’s assistance, children learn and achieve more. According to a recent survey by Pew Search, 60% of parents across the globe allow their children access to the Internet before the age of 11. Though 78% of parents acknowledge that today’s children face more online risks compared to five years ago, only 50% monitor their children’s browsing history and 46% restrict access to specific websites and apps.
This generation of parents is faced with the challenge of raising children in a rapidly evolving cyber world. Children naturally possess a remarkable ability to learn and adapt, which is further amplified in this age of technology. Alongside the multitude of parenting responsibilities, parents now have the added task of staying abreast of their children’s internet habits and safely guiding them through the digital frontier.
Top Tips for Parents Regarding Cyber Security for Their Children
If a child learns enough about data privacy, they will be able to understand why it is important. However, acceptance alone is not enough. Parents should install a VPN on their child’s devices, which will protect against many Internet vulnerabilities. It can also unblock websites, which is useful for finding information while learning. You don’t have to look for the perfect VPN, VeePN is and it’s true. Yes, this may not be the most objective assessment, but it really has everything that ordinary users need: high speed, security, and many servers.
The following are cyber security rules parents out to teach their children.
#1 Always keep an eye on your device
It’s incredible how quickly technology can come and go. Nowadays, smartphones, laptops, and tablets hold a good resale value. Interestingly, cybercriminals have realized that stealing data stored in these devices brings more profit than selling them. Can you believe that information such as passwords, addresses, family members’ birthdates, and even Social Security numbers can fetch a handsome price in the illicit market? These criminals can piece together the collected data from all these devices to commit identity theft.
When it comes to targeted theft, children become prime candidates due to the likelihood of having such valuable information stored on their devices, thanks to school and sports activities. It’s important to educate your kids about the value of these devices and the need to keep them close at all times.
#2 Be careful when clicking on links
Phishing is a serious threat that can cause significant harm, whether it’s done subtly or boldly. It only takes one careless click for malicious software to infiltrate your devices and wreak havoc. It’s important to talk to your kids about the risks and remind them not to click on links in emails without verifying their legitimacy, emphasizing cyber security for kids. Teaching them to hover the mouse over the link to check the destination is a reputable address is a good practice.
Keep an eye out for telltale signs of phishing emails, such as spelling mistakes, unusual emails from well-known companies, and threatening messages that demand immediate action. When uncertain, it’s best not to click on the link. Instead, visit the company’s official website or contact the concerned person or customer service department to validate the authenticity of the email.
#3 Use child-friendly educational resources
It can be quite challenging to have a conversation with children about internet safety, especially when they are young and may struggle to comprehend some of the complex concepts involved in cyber security for kids. How do you go about explaining to a third-grader that there are cyber criminals and sexual predators lurking online? Moreover, how do you address these concerns without instilling fear in them?
One excellent free resource is the ebook titled “Kasper, Sky and the Green Bear.” This engaging story revolves around a young boy and his best friend who befriend a magical bear known as Kuma. Each story in this collection serves as a teaching tool, imparting essential cybersecurity lessons. These lessons include managing online privacy, creating strong passwords, and dealing with cyberbullying situations.
#4 Ask questions and seek help
In an ideal world, your kids will always come to you and ask for help when they have questions about security, including cyber security for kids. But, hey, we all know it doesn’t always happen.
Sometimes, kiddos may feel like they’ll get into trouble if they ask for help. For example, imagine your little one accidentally breaks one of their online behavior rules and falls prey to a sneaky phishing or catfishing scam – tough luck, right? Your child then finds themselves in a bit of a pickle: if they ask for your advice, they might end up in trouble for breaking the rules.
And hey, sometimes kids might worry that they’ve brought trouble upon themselves or that you just won’t “get it.” This can happen when dealing with bullying and harassment – issues that unfortunately exist in both the physical schoolyard and the digital realm. In such cases, it’s crucial to give your kiddos the space to open up about their feelings and to take their concerns seriously. Even if it may seem trivial, remember that it could be a big deal to them.
#5 Follow basic internet rules
The internet can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s important to establish some fundamental guidelines to ensure safety.
Sit down with your child and establish a set of basic rules for their internet use. For younger kids, keep these rules simple and easy to understand. For example:
- Ask for permission before going online.
- Limit screen time to 30 minutes each day.
- Use only approved apps, like YouTube with Safe Search or a filtered web browser.
- Seek permission before installing any new games.
Write these rules down and periodically review them to reinforce the guidelines.
Conclusion
Children will be children, and despite the importance of these crucial things about cyber security for kids, mistakes can occur. As a caring parent, you have the power to proactively safeguard your child’s device by implementing security software. Even the presence of an additional layer of protection does not exclude the need for training in counteracting cybercriminals.
If you would like some help teaching your children valuable learning and life skills like these, call WorldWise Tutoring! Our tutors are experienced, background checked, and trained in the best methods to teach academics, enrichment, test prep, and more – all intertwined with lessons in important skills to empower them with the tools to manage their own learning. Don’t hesitate! Hire a WorldWise Tutor today!
