Cybersecurity Awareness for Kids

Cybersecurity and online awareness don’t stop in the workplace. We must take these lessons and apply them to our home and family life. How can you help keep your children safe online? Keep reading for suggestions on dialogue with your kids and some tips to monitor their online activities.

In 2023, the Surgeon General wrote an advisory on the impact of social media on our youth. In his report, he says:

1. Social media use by youth is nearly universal. Up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.”

2. Although age 13 is commonly the required minimum age for social media platforms in the U.S., nearly 40% of children ages 8–12 use social media.

3. Despite this widespread use among children and adolescents, robust independent safety analyses on the impact of social media on youth have not yet been conducted.

4. While social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.

Since you can’t just turn off social media, what are things you can do to help your children navigate social media and the internet? Lets face it, I know many adults who spend hours scrolling through videos and postings from friends. Is it healthy for your children to do the same? Are they being safe online?

If your child is currently using social media or has been wanting to join, it’s essential to talk to them about what it is and the house rules for using it. You need to talk to your kids about not overdoing it, and not believing everything they read.

Parents should know what they see and hear online, who they meet, and what they share about themselves. Talk with your kids, use tools to protect them, and monitor their activities. In the following text, I’ve added a section that includes a possible dialog with your kids, followed by suggestions for controlling and monitoring their access.

Parent: I noticed you enjoy playing games and watching videos online.

Child: Yeah, it’s fun!

Parent: It is fun; I even enjoy some games, but some sites have some dangers. For instance, not everyone on the Internet is who they say they are, and not all websites are safe. Do you remember what we discussed regarding strangers you see during the day?

Child: Yes, never talk to strangers.

Parent: Exactly. The same rule applies online. If someone you don’t know tries to talk to you, don’t answer and let me or another adult know immediately.

Child: What if they seem friendly?

Parent: They might seem friendly, but you can never be sure. It’s better to be safe and check with us first. Also, some websites might ask for personal information like your name, address, school, or picture. You should never share that information without asking me first.

Child: How about downloading games or apps?

Parent: That’s a great question. You should always ask before downloading anything. Some downloads can contain viruses that can destroy your computer. Other downloads may contain horrible pictures or content.   If you want to explore the web for new games and apps, we can help you find safe and fun games.

Child: What if I see something that makes me uncomfortable or scared?

Parent: If you see something uncomfortable, stop using your computer and tell me immediately. It’s important. We can talk about it and figure out what to do together. Remember, it’s not your fault if you come across something terrible.

Child: Okay, I will. Is there anything else I should know?

Parent: I noticed you’ve been posting a lot online lately. I just want to ensure you understand the problems and dangers you can run into.

Child: Like what?

Parent: Well, for starters, once something is posted online, you can’t take it back. Someone else might have already saved or shared it even if you delete it.

Child: Wow, I didn’t think about that. But why is that a big deal?

Parent: There are a few reasons. One is privacy. You might share personal information that strangers could use to learn more about you, like where you live or go to school.

Child: That sounds scary. What else?

Parent: Another issue is cyberbullying. Sometimes, people can be mean online, and things you post might be used to tease or bully you.

Child: I hate bullying. I don’t want to give anyone a reason to pick on me.

Parent: Exactly. Also, think about your future. Colleges and employers often look at social media information. Something you post now could affect your opportunities later on.

Child:  I never thought about that. So, should I just stop posting altogether?

Parent: You don’t have to stop completely but be careful. Always think before you post. Ask yourself if it’s something you’d be okay with everyone seeing, even total strangers.

Child: Got it. I’ll be more careful from now on. Thanks for explaining it to me.

Parent: Anytime. I’m glad we talked about this. If you ever have questions or need help, just let me know.

Parents are also essential in shielding their kids from potential internet threats. The following are some crucial duties they ought to think about:

• Education: Explain to kids the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet. Talk about issues like knowing right from wrong, privacy, and the value of keeping personal information to yourself and off the internet.

• Establishing Rules: Clearly define the websites they are allowed to use, how much time they are allowed to spend online, and acceptable conduct when using the Internet. Make sure they know that bullying and gossiping are not allowed.

• Monitoring Behavior: Watch your kids’ internet habits without becoming too involved. Examine their apps and browser history regularly.

• Employ Parental Controls: Some software packages allow you to set limits on use time and access to questionable sites by implementing parental control software.

• Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Create an atmosphere where kids may talk about anything that goes wrong online, including uncomfortable experiences.

• Set a Good Example:  Your kids watch how you behave online and listen to what you say. Be an example of good behavior by using the Internet sensibly yourself. Teach kids how to behave politely and safely in online environments.

• Stay Informed: To be aware of the threats your children may encounter, stay updated on the most recent developments in technology and online safety.

• Talk about cyberbullying and how to spot it to address it. Give your kids mechanisms to deal with it, such as reporting it to responsible adults

• Emergency Plan: Ensure you know what to do if you encounter something frightening or hazardous online. This can include how to report problems and who to talk to.

It’s a constantly changing world. For example, there are no rules on whether the type of social media your child uses (messaging, gaming, music, videos) should influence how you, as a parent, should manage it. Educate yourself and watch for new guidance on the subject. The social media world changes by the minute, and parents must commit to remaining informed.

The one sure thing is that parents can contribute to making their children’s internet experience safer by actively carrying out these duties. When you get involved and remain involved in your children’s use of social media, you will see the benefits pay off long term.