It’s a New Year – Time to Be Cyber Smart! As kids head back to school and dive into the digital world of online learning, gaming, and socializing, the start of the year is the perfect time to remind them about cyber safety. The internet is full of opportunities for learning and fun, but just like in the real world, there are important rules to follow to stay safe.
However, teaching cyber safety isn’t just about telling kids the rules. It’s about truly understanding their world—what games they play, who they interact with, and how they connect with others. To make a real impact, parents need (at least, this is how it’s working for me) to go beyond lectures and engage on their kids’ level.
Here are some tips to stay Safe Online
Personal Information is a Treasure – Keep it Safe. Kids often don’t realize how much information they’re sharing online. Help them understand that personal details, like their full name, address, school, or phone number, are like treasures that should be kept private.
Cyber Safety Rule: Never share personal information online without asking a trusted adult first.
What Parents Can Do:
Turn Off Location Sharing. Many apps, games, and social media platforms ask for location access, but sharing location data can expose kids to unnecessary risks. Teach kids to turn off location sharing unless necessary.
Cyber Safety Rule: Always ask a parent before enabling location sharing in any app.
What Parents Can Do:
Online Friends ≠ Real Friends. It’s easy for kids to mistake online strangers for friends, especially in games or chat apps. Make sure they know that not everyone online is who they claim to be.
Cyber Safety Rule: Never accept friend requests or private messages from people you don’t know in real life.
What Parents Can Do:
Recognize Fake and Dangerous Messages. Online scammers often use fake emails, pop-ups, or messages to trick kids into clicking dangerous links or sharing information.
Cyber Safety Rule: If a message looks strange, has typos, or asks for private details, don’t click anything! Always show it to a grown-up first.
What Parents Can Do:
Always Ask an Adult First. Whether it’s downloading a new game, clicking a link, or responding to a message, the golden rule for kids should always be: When in doubt, ask first!
Here’s the truth: Simply telling kids what to do isn’t enough. Kids learn best when you step into their world, play alongside them, and ask thoughtful questions. By showing interest in their online activities, you:
Final Thoughts: As we kick off the new year, let’s prioritize cyber safety for our kids. By teaching them the basics, engaging with their digital world, and leading by example, you're equipping them with lifelong habits that will protect them online.
Challenge for Kids and Parents: This week, play one of your child’s favorite online games together. Talk about how they interact with others in the game, what kind of messages they receive, and whether the game asks for location sharing. Make it a fun and open conversation!
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