Cybersecurity Tips for Children
Kids are growing up in an age where screens are everywhere: tablets, phones, smart TVs, you name it. While this digital age offers incredible opportunities for learning and fun, it also comes with risks. As parents, guardians, or older siblings, it's up to us to make sure the kids in our lives are navigating the internet safely. But don’t worry, keeping kids safe online doesn’t have to be overwhelming or filled with endless rules. Let’s talk about some practical ways to teach safety and make it an ongoing conversation.
1. The Power of Parental Controls
Parental controls are a simple and effective way to ensure kids don’t stumble across things they shouldn’t. Set up controls on devices that allow you to monitor what apps or websites they’re visiting. Most devices have built-in features that are easy to access, take a few minutes to explore those settings.
But remember, this isn’t just about blocking everything. Let them know these controls are there to keep them safe, just like the seatbelt they use in the car. It’s all about safety, not punishment. Learn more about how to protect your devices online to keep you and your kids safe
2. Managing Screen Time (Without the Tantrums!)
Ah, screen time, a constant battle in most households. But managing screen time is important, not just for health reasons but also for cybersecurity. The more time kids spend online, the more opportunities they have to wander into risky territory. You can start by setting specific times when they’re allowed to use their devices. For example, no screen time before breakfast or only one hour after homework is done.
Instead of just enforcing rules, make it more of a family conversation. Agree on “family screen-free” times, where everyone, including adults, takes a break from their devices. Kids love it when they feel like it’s a team effort and not just a restriction. You could use this time for board games, outdoor play, or anything else that doesn’t involve a screen.
3. Teaching Kids What Should Stay Private
If there's one lesson to get across, it's this: Don’t Overshare. Kids love sharing, what they had for lunch, the fact that their cat is the cutest, and even what school they go to. While some of that’s harmless, sharing personal details online can be dangerous. Teach them the “Would I tell a stranger?” rule. If they wouldn’t tell a stranger on the street their address or what time their parents leave for work, they shouldn’t share that info online either.
Help them understand what’s okay to share and what isn’t, and encourage them to check with you before they post anything they're unsure of. This is a good way to keep the communication lines open while still giving them some autonomy.
4. Teach the Basics of Secure Browsing
Kids are curious and that curiosity can sometimes lead them to some weird corners of the internet. So, the first step is to help them understand what "secure browsing" actually means. Start by explaining what a web address looks like. Show them how to look for “https” at the start of a URL and explain that the little lock icon means the website is secure.
To make it easy, set the family's devices to only allow certain websites or use a kid safe browser that helps filter out questionable content. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated; a lot of web browsers offer these options as part of parental controls.
5. Play Phishing Detective
Teaching your kids how to spot suspicious links or emails can be a fun detective game. Sit down with them and look at examples of phishing messages. Show them how to check for things like typos, weird sender addresses, or urgent requests for personal information. Make it a game, who can spot the most “red flags” in a fake email?
The goal here isn’t to scare them but to make them aware that not everyone online is who they say they are. It’s all about giving them the tools to stay safe without taking away the fun of being online.
Cyber Safety Starts with Communication
Kids will always have questions, and their curiosity is a good thing. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you if they ever see something strange online. This is less about enforcing rules and more about creating a culture of openness and trust.
Remember: cybersecurity isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s like teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street; it becomes second nature with time, patience, and practice. Jovia has plenty of cybersecurity learning resources to help you keep up to date with what cybersecurity trends you should be teaching your kids and yourself. Take a few minutes today to review your family’s online safety, pass this guide along to other parents or caregivers, and keep the conversation going. To learn more about how you can keep your family's information safe, visit our Security Center.
* Underwritten by AIG