Back-to-school time is exciting for kids and parents, but it also comes with some challenges. Not only are there physical dangers to consider but also mental and emotional issues like cyberbullying. Here is how to protect your children against all types of online attacks. Here are 5 ways to keep kids safe on social media:
Various Online Dangers
Online threats for kids don’t just include cyberbullying but also dangerous predators and even hackers that send phishing emails or try to lure kids in with links or ads on social media.
Additionally, you don’t want young children stumbling onto graphic content online (sexual stuff, violence, foul language, drug use, etc.).
Children are unskilled at detecting threats; therefore, they may be very vulnerable to cyberattacks such as phishing, social engineering, pop-ups, malware, and more.
1: Talk to Kids About Cyberbullying
Before your children set up their first social media account, sit down with your kids and discuss what cyberbullying is and how to avoid it. Not only should you instruct them to come to you immediately if someone is bullying them, but also teach them how not to be a bully. You can also instruct them on how to block and report bullies on social media platforms.
Caution your children about speaking to any strangers online. Tell them why it’s not safe to trust someone based on their profile (catfishing).
2: Set Up Mobile Device Security
Most kids nowadays have a mobile device. Go through your kids’ phones and configure the maximum-security settings throughout the device. Turn on privacy options where available. Be sure to install antivirus/anti-malware software on all your kids’ devices to keep them protected and a GPS locator so you know where they are at all times.
3: Turn on Parental Controls
You should also turn on parental controls on your kids’ computers and anywhere they can access the internet. For example, you can block specific websites, filter content, and prevent them from getting into dangerous situations by limiting what they can do and see online.
You can also limit screen time using special software or built-in options in parental control apps.
4: Online Monitoring
Another way to keep your children safe online is through monitoring. Install 24/7 monitoring software to see what they are doing online and posting. Teach them that whatever they post online is out there forever and to be careful about not posting personal information or details that could be used for identity theft or fraud.
5: Set Ground Rules and Get Help
Before allowing your children to use the internet, set a few ground rules and if they break them, take away the privilege. It’s up to you to keep your kids safe. If you are not computer savvy and don’t know much about online safety, you can sign up for a course or enroll the entire family in online safety training.
Contact DMAC Security for more help with online safety and security.