The Scary Truth about Kids and the Internet
As a parent, I completely understand the anxiety that comes with letting your kids loose in the digital world. It’s like sending them out to play in a vast, unsupervised playground – you just never know what kind of unsavory characters they might encounter.
Recent studies have found that the average child spends around 5 hours a day staring at a screen [1]. And with the rise of remote schooling, that number has only gone up. Researchers have also discovered that over a third of kids have been exposed to hateful content online, and 1 in 5 have experienced cyberbullying [1]. Yikes!
It’s a scary reality, but the good news is that there are steps we can take to keep our little ones safe. With the right cybersecurity tools and a bit of education, we can empower our kids to be savvy digital citizens. So let’s dive in and explore 5 top tips to keep your family cyber-secure.
1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords
I get it, coming up with a different, complex password for every single account you have is a real pain. But it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your kids online.
Think about it this way – would you use the same key for your front door, your car, your gym locker, and your safety deposit box? Of course not! So why would you use the same password across all your kids’ online accounts?
Hackers these days have access to sophisticated software that can crack even the most basic passwords in a matter of seconds. That’s why it’s crucial to create long, random passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And don’t forget to switch it up for each account!
If remembering all those different passwords sounds like a nightmare, you can use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to keep track of them for you [2]. These handy tools generate strong, unique passwords and store them securely, so you don’t have to.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Okay, so you’ve got those super-secure passwords in place. Great work! But we can take it one step further by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your kids’ accounts.
2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, before granting access. That way, even if a hacker manages to crack your password, they still won’t be able to get in without that additional verification.
Many popular online services like Google, Facebook, and banking apps offer 2FA, so be sure to turn it on for all of your family’s accounts. It might take an extra 10 seconds to log in, but it’s well worth the peace of mind knowing your personal information is safe.
3. Keep Software Updated
When you get that little pop-up notification that it’s time to update your computer or phone, it can be tempting to just click “Remind me later” and put it off. But those updates are actually super important for your family’s cybersecurity.
Software updates often include critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit to access your devices. By keeping everything up-to-date, you’re closing those security gaps and making it much harder for the bad guys to get in.
Set your devices to automatically install updates whenever they’re available, or at least make a habit of checking for and installing them regularly. And don’t forget about your kids’ apps and games – make sure those are updated too!
4. Establish Digital Ground Rules
As our kids become more independent online, it’s crucial that we set clear expectations and boundaries around their digital activities. Have a family discussion about what’s appropriate and what’s not, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Some ideas for digital ground rules could include:
– No sharing personal information like your address or phone number
– No opening links or attachments from unknown senders
– No cyberbullying or mean behavior towards others
– Limiting screen time to X hours per day
– Keeping devices out of bedrooms at night
Reinforce these rules consistently, and be willing to dole out consequences if they’re broken. It might feel a bit strict, but establishing healthy digital habits early on will pay huge dividends in the long run.
5. Monitor Online Activity
I know, I know – constantly monitoring your kids’ every digital move can feel like a huge invasion of privacy. But the truth is, a little oversight is essential to keeping them safe.
Consider using parental control software like Kaspersky Safe Kids [3] to help track their online activity and internet usage. You can set content filters, location tracking, and other safeguards to make sure they’re not stumbling into any dangerous territory.
You should also have regular conversations with your kids about their experiences online. Ask them what kinds of things they’re doing, who they’re talking to, and if they’ve ever come across anything that made them feel uncomfortable. Creating that open dialogue is key.
At the end of the day, our job as parents is to protect our kids however we can. And in this digital age, that means being proactive about cybersecurity. With the right tools and strategies in place, we can help our little ones navigate the online world safely and confidently.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work keeping our families cyber-secure!
[1] Emsisoft. (n.d.). Cybersecurity guides to keep you and your devices safe. Link
[2] Eaton, L. (2022). Celebrating Cyber Safety Day: 5 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe Online. Link
[3] Kaspersky. (n.d.). Cybersecurity for Kids: Keeping Children Safe Online. Link
