The internet can be a very scary place. Many of us grew up with the fast evolution of the internet have experienced just how dangerous it can be. We had to learn the hard way but that doesn’t mean our kids have to. Kulani Kulasingam, Data Protection Officer at Digi is here to offer us some tips to protect our children better online.
Tip #1: Start conversations about privacy early.
It’s never too early to start a conversation with your kids about their online safety as well as other’s. It is important to talk about respecting the privacy of others online, like their friends. This would encourage children to talk to parents/guardians if they are worried or in doubt.
Tip #2: Double down on your devices’ security.
Encourage your child to choose a strong password and install the latest security features to secure the privacy of his or her devices. Never share them with anyone. Regularly run a security check (once a week is recommended!) to ensure that there are no threats on the devices.
For parents with younger elementary ages, set your child’s device up with password control so you know they’re safe online and disable in-app purchasing so big bills are not run up accidentally.
Tip #3: Don’t provide apps access to everything on your device!
Downloading a new application/software, may prompt for requests to access location or photo gallery, or even permission to record audio or video automatically.
A picture-editing app for example will require access to your phone camera and media files to be able to edit pictures but not all apps require such access. Encourage your child to always be suspicious and disable access if not required for the new applications/software to function properly
Tip #4: Always think twice before downloading and opening files
Avoid downloading and opening files (.exe) unless it is from a trusted site. (Note: .exe files contain instructions that that get your device to do something once you click on it – even share files without you knowing!)
Hackers can easily access your data when you download and open malicious software on a PC, laptop, or smartphone. Sophisticated malware is powerful and can either relay information back to the hacker or even turn on your webcam.
Tip #5: Be careful what and how much personal information you share online
Ensure that your child understands what personal information is and why it is important to refrain from disclosing personal information.
When registering or signing up for a new site for example, they may be prompted to share private information such as their name, mobile number, home address, or a photo of themselves. Advise them to always check with you if unsure.
Tip #6: Privacy settings on social media.
Guide your child to go through privacy settings on social media accounts and make everything as private as possible. Location tagging in a post for example, could expose their whereabouts. Limit access to trusted friends and family only as well as block unwanted contents. Always check the default setting.
Tip #7: Refrain from oversharing online
Caution your child against oversharing photos on social media – whether their own or their friend’s. It can compromise their privacy and even their personal safety in some cases. Don’t share photos of others without their consent.
Parents should also practice what they preach and prevent ‘sharenting’ – posting their children’s pictures online. Photos shared today will be a part of your child’s digital footprint in perpetuity. Remember: everything you do on the internet can be accessed by anyone and stays there forever.
Tip #8: Browse secure websites.
Whenever your child is browsing a website, advise them to choose websites that start with https:// rather than http:// as this indicates that the website is “secure”. On some browsers like Google Chrome, an icon of a padlock will be visible if the site is encrypted or in simple words, secure.
