The Importance of Cyber Safety For Children

The internet has evolved to become so easily accessible that it has also become extremely important to ensure safety. It is especially critical for parents to take the time to ensure their children’s safety on the Internet. When used appropriately, the cyber world can be a tool for information, learning, and connection. Along with all these possibilities, there’s also the potential for harm, but with the proper protection, it is possible for parents to ensure that their children learn to be safe.

The constant launch of new apps and social media sites leave children exposed to new things on a regular basis. As parents, it’s your job to give your children the right tools and knowledge to navigate cyberspace safely.

 

Internet Safety Management Techniques & Tools

Before giving your children access to the Internet, sit down with them and go over some of these safety rules and guidelines:

  • Personal information should never be given out without parental permission. This means not sharing a last name, home address, school name, telephone number, or credit card number.

  • Passwords are meant to be kept private. No one should ever need to know your password. If someone ever asks you for a password, instruct children to run the situation by you first. On a related note, if using a library or school computer, make sure to always sign out of all personal sites before you are done using the device.

  • Assume that anything that gets posted on a social media site will remain on the Internet forever. Social networks are a place where kids spend most of their time. A lot of children don’t know this and may unwittingly make posts that they later won't want public. Talk to your kids about what is appropriate to share and not share. This is extremely important in protecting their identity, reputation, and future.

  • Never meet strangers from the Internet in person. Someone may seem harmless on the Internet but could be a completely different person in real life. Children should be given guidance about proper internet etiquette and the dangers of real life interaction with strangers of any origin.

  • Cyberbullying is one of the biggest risks out there for kids. Give your children the confidence to stand up to cyberbullying. Teach them to never send or respond to mean or insulting messages. If they become a victim of cyberbullying, or hear others talking about sending or receiving hurtful messages, they should report this behavior to an adult. If something happens online that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared, they should talk to an adult about the situation immediately.

 

Added Layers Of Protection: Software Systems For Cyber Safety

Informing and educating your children is always the first step in keeping them safe from potential threats. The next step? Installing a cybersecurity device can work to keep your software safe from potential viruses, scams, and phishing sites. It can also work to keep your personal information and passwords safe from cyber attacks.

Network security devices are designed to work with existing network security systems to protect your networks from every angle. These systems are designed to be monitored easily via cloud-based or mobile app management software.

Depending on the cyber device, you can monitor multiple devices on more than one network at a time. It works by scanning for any signs of unauthorized infiltrations and preventing threats from spreading on your network.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Scare Them, Educate Them

We live in a time where internet use is not only common, it’s also expected. For that reason, it’s important to avoid scaring children away from using the Internet — it’s a valuable resource that they’ll learn how to best use over time. Instead, follow these tips to help educate and equip them with the skills required to practice good judgment when interacting with the cyber world.

!