Online safety tips for students and children
If your child is not “online” already, he or she may soon be joining the millions of children who are. Parents should have a discussion with their children about the parameters for use of computers and smart phones before allowing them to go online. Communication should start early. Parents should be proactive and initiate the conversation. Use everyday opportunities and turn them into teachable moments by talking to your kids, whether it is a news story about cyberbullying or texting while driving for example. Parents should communicate their expectations, emphasize safety issues and determine supervision and parental controls. This helps to build good online habits from an early age.
Children need to understand the rules and risks of cyberspace, but it is a difficult concept for children to comprehend safety issues online. Here is a list of the most prevalent risks that children may encounter online:
Cyberbullying and harassment: This is most likely to occur through social media, instant messages, texts or emails. Tell your child to let you know if anyone is being mean to them online.
Harmful online posts: What is posted online stays online. Be sure your kids understand this because it could come back to haunt them in the future. Tell them that you must approve any pictures that they want to share with friends online.
Online stalkers: Children are taught not to talk to strangers, but online, a stranger could pretend to be a friend or relative. Check out your child’s “friends” so you know who they are chatting with online. You should have the passwords to your child’s social media profile and smart phone and regularly review who their friends are and what they are sharing.
ID theft: Make sure your child understands that they cannot give out personal or family information to anyone online. Avoid unsolicited emails and text messages and communicate the dangers of possibly downloading a virus or malware. Passwords should not be shared with anybody but their parents and keep your computer’s operating systems and anti-virus software up-to-date. Avoid the “freebies” associated with music, apps and games. They should ask for permission before purchasing and should be downloaded through a reputable website.
For more information, please contact the Mid Missouri BBB at manager@midmobbb.org or 573-886-8965.
