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With more people working and studying from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, online safety has become an even more pressing issue. Video conferences are hacked left and right, vital database work is now exposed due to remote access, and kids are spending a lot more time on their tablets, gaming devices, and computers. When there is more online traffic, hackers and other bad actors take to the digital realm in search of victims.
While everyone was aware of cyber threats prior to recent work-from-home directives and increases, it’s even more important to tighten up personal security online. This page is designed to help inform and provide abundant resources for parents who wish to protect their children, and even themselves, online.
Online Safety for Children and Teens
Young children and teenagers alike face increasing danger online. Every day, child abusers and traffickers try to groom children with the promise of online friendship and there are loads of malware creators seeking to access devices through free software. Other kids can also present a danger in the form of cyberbullying.
While updating passwords is a helpful first measure, there are many other steps parents can take to help keep their kids safe. One of the chief ways to ensure safety is to keep the lines of communication open so that parents and children can mount a proactive response when a bad guy shows himself. Keep reading to learn more about online safety for children and teenagers.
Safety Basics for Kids Using the Internet
Before kids go on the internet, it's vital to establish some rules and guidelines so that they remain safe. In order to establish those guidelines, parents need to become actively involved. First, parents can have a discussion with their child and have them define why they want to use the internet and what they hope to achieve by using it. This is a good time to talk about how much time is reasonable for use, what time frames are appropriate, and which common room is best for internet use. To enforce these guidelines, parents and kids should agree on an appropriate punishment in case a rule is broken. When kids have a part in creating rules, they are more likely to follow them and are less likely to balk when a restriction is enforced.
Prior to their first solo journey on the internet, children should be fully aware of certain dangers. Parents can even require that kids explain certain key terms. For instance, kids should understand phishing, safe communication, and the dangers of downloading apps without a parent's knowledge and oversight. It might even be helpful to role-play some scenarios where kids may be endangered.
If the child wants to engage with their friends on social media or play games that include online interactivity with other gamers, determine which platforms they want to use and discuss exactly how they intend to use them. Then, set a limit on the number of accounts they can use. This is also a good time to discuss privacy controls and how to limit one's contacts on social media.
Once there's a limit on the number and type of account, parents need to do in-depth research into the platforms their kids are interested in. They should become experts on the privacy controls on those sites and then they should help their kids set up an account. Parents should create and store strong, unpredictable passwords for those sites. Make sure to avoid passwords that rely on names, addresses, birthdays, or pet names. Passwords should be random strings of letters and numbers that include at least one symbol or punctuation mark. Since most browsers store passwords, kids will be able to log-in and use the service seamlessly, but then parents can change the passwords from time to time. If there's a suspected problem, Parents can even log-in and audit all of their child's messages and contacts. Lastly, many browsers and devices, such as iPads, have password managers that simplify the password process, without sacrificing security.
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Limit Screen Time:
There are many reasons to limit a child's screen time. Online activities can take us away from friends and family. Plus, the more time kids spend online, the more vulnerable they are to the many dangers. -
Set Rules:
Have children engage in the process of determining how, when, and where they will use the internet. When kids have a part in this process, they are more likely to feel invested in the process. -
Central Computer:
Keep all screen-time in common areas of the house, with an adult or responsible older sibling present. Maintain an open dialogue about what's happening online. -
Limit Accounts:
Help kids pick a few social media or gaming platforms. This will help keep their time online focused and manageable by all. -
Online Communication:
Make sure kids understand what constitutes safe and unsafe communication, especially with strangers. This will help them recognize trouble but will provide a context and vocabulary for a parental consultation. -
Computing Savvy:
When kids are able to identify and describe various aspects of the online universe, they will proceed with more confidence. Review terms such as phishing, spam, what constitutes malware, and more. -
Create Strong Passwords:
Use at least 10 characters for every password, never repeat passwords, and avoid using predictable terms such as names, birthdays, addresses, pet names, etc. -
Parents Keep Passwords:
Parents should be able to access their kids accounts when they feel that something is amiss. It's also advised to periodically update passwords on all the kids' accounts. Make sure kids understand that this is for their safety. -
Never Share Passwords:
Instruct kids to never share passwords, even with trusted friends. If parents create complex, random passwords they will be harder to remember in any case. -
Password Managers:
Some browsers, such as Firefox, come pre-installed with password managers so kids only need to remember one password. iPads, Android tablets, and other mobile devices have password managers that maintain security. -
Avoid Scams:
Tell kids that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Thus, instruct them to never download free apps, ringtones, etc. If they are curious about a new game or app, have them discuss the decision. There are trusted sites, such as Apple's App Store or Google Play, but even those have been compromised from time to time. -
Wi-Fi Security:
Create a strong password for your home Wi-Fi network. Hackers may be able to access your computers and devices if they are able to guess your Wi-Fi password. -
Stay Informed:
Parents should do their best to stay informed as to the latest threats to cyber security. Discuss the issue with other parents and subscribe to newsletters, Facebook groups, or Twitter feeds that address kids' online safety. -
Investigate Websites:
Parents should investigate sites prior to allowing their children to access them. In particular, learn all about the privacy settings and make sure they are implemented. -
Update Devices:
Hackers are constantly seeking vulnerabilities, so make sure all systems are up to date with the most current security releases. Browsers and other software should also be optimized with the current versions. -
Set up Separate Users:
If you have a shared, family computer, make sure that each user has their own account in Windows or MacOS. The parental account should be the administrator and thus have access to all other accounts. -
Keep Accounts Separate:
It may seem easy to log in using your social media, or other account. However, this means that, once hackers crack that account, they can exploit the others. A password manager will create a seamless log-in experience while maintaining safety. -
Two-Factor Authentication:
This adds an extra layer of protection. When accounts have two-factor authentication enabled, users need both a password and a second code that is sent to the email address or mobile phone associated with the account. When parents associate their own email or phone number, they are immediately involved when kids attempt a purchase or log on to some accounts. -
Use Encrypted Sites and Services:
Set up kids' computers and browsers to use encrypted search engines, such as Duck Duck Go, and encourage encrypted messaging software like Telegram or Signal. Encrypted searches keep advertisers from tracking and targeting children. Encrypted messaging software likewise keeps kids safe from digital interlopers. -
Audit Devices and Accounts:
From time to time, parents should inspect their kids' devices and computer accounts. Parents should ensure that they still have current passwords, that kids haven't downloaded any nefarious software, and that all systems are up to date with current security patches, etc. If kids feel that this is invasive, do the work with them and discuss what you find.