ONLINE SAFETY TIPS

By Scott Stitts, Vice President & Chief Information Officer

In today’s digital age, it is imperative that parents, caregivers and teachers protect children from the dangers of the internet, such as phishing, cyberbullying, cyber predators, accidentally downloading malware, and having their personal information leaked. Below are tips you can utilize to help your children stay safe online.

MONITOR THEIR ONLINE PRESENCE

Take a deep dive into what your children are posting online. If you notice content that could potentially damage their character, address it immediately. It would also be beneficial to review their friend lists on each social media account. Ensure they are only following people they know and verified accounts.

INSTALL ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Downloading antivirus software on your children’s devices can help them avoid viruses, malware and cyber-attacks. You will have peace of mind knowing that the information stored on their phone, computer or tablet is secure.

CHECK THEIR PRIVACY SETTINGS

Adjust your child’s privacy settings on their phone, computer or tablet by turning off location services, putting parental controls in place, adjusting their screen time, and establishing a “code of conduct” – which allows you to set clear expectations and monitor their activity.

Be wary of app location settings. Many apps have access to your location, but you can update your preferences in settings. Apps that know your child’s location can be threatening to their safety.

ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO SPEAK UP

Your children should be able to confide in you when something bothers them. If they see graphic content or if a predator targets them online, they should feel comfortable turning to you for guidance and direction.

Children are curious and easily influenced by what other people say or do, especially online.

That is why it is vital to educate kids about the negative impacts of having an online presence and give them safety tips to help them about protecting themselves online, it is also crucial that you take online safety into consideration everytime you use your mobile device or go online.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE

1. Keep personal information private. You should never share your phone number, address or financial information online. The more details that you provide, the easier it is for cyber predators to steal.

2. Be mindful of what you share online. It should be emphasized that whatever you post online, whether you delete it or not, can still be found and traced back to you. Derogatory posts can lead to prosecution.

3. Report cyberbullying when you see it or if you experience it yourself. People believe they have the freedom to say anything they want online – while that may be true, there are consequences when the words threaten or harm others. Reporting cyberbullies suspends their accounts and prevents it from happening to others.

4. Refuse to meet someone you met online in person. The internet has given people the ability to hide their identity. It has become increasingly simple for cyber predators to trick people by disguising themselves as someone else. They create fake social media profiles by using photos and videos of the person they are impersonating.

5. Take a break and unplug from the internet. Social media can be addicting, and it can take a toll on your mental health if you are on it constantly. Take frequent breaks from the internet, especially when it starts to affect your mood and sleep schedule.