Today's kids are growing up hyper-connected to the digital world, going online for everything from education to entertainment, gaming, social media and more. While the Internet can certainly be a helpful tool, online access can also pose safety risks to people of all ages.
It's not too early to teach your children about cyber safety. Here are five tips your kids need to know:
#1: Keep Your Data to YourselfOversharing online can lead to identity theft, cyberbullying and other dangers. Make sure your kids know they should never share their personal information — such as their full name, birthdate, address or location, phone number, Social Security number, images and payment information — with “friends" online. #2: Update Passwords OftenThe start of back-to-school season is a good reminder to refresh our passwords on online accounts. Teach your kids the importance of creating strong, hard-to-guess passwords or passphrases that include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. As a parent, you may want your kids to share their passwords with you — just remind them not to give their login information to anyone else. #3: Think Twice Before PostingWhat happens online has real-world consequences. It's a good idea to teach your kids about their “digital footprint" and how the words and images they share can shape how people view them now and in the future. Remember, even private messages can become public with a screenshot. Be aware of what your kids are sharing—and who their sharing information with. Encourage your kids to use caution when posting and always be respectful to others. #4: Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True" OffersScammers often target young people in phishing scams, sending email, social media or text messages to trick them into believing they've won a free gift or prize. In reality, it's an attempt to steal private information or download malware onto their devices. Remind your kids not to open messages, click on links or download attachments from suspicious senders. #5: Speak Up The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to them about cyber safety early and often without judgment. Starting an open conversation will ensure they feel comfortable and safe to speak up and come to you if they have questions or concerns about an online experience. The FTC offers a great resource about talking to your kids about being online.
Oversharing online can lead to identity theft, cyberbullying and other dangers.
Make sure your kids know they should never share their personal information — such as their full name, birthdate, address or location, phone number, Social Security number, images and payment information — with “friends" online.
The start of back-to-school season is a good reminder to refresh our passwords on online accounts. Teach your kids the importance of creating strong, hard-to-guess passwords or passphrases that include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
As a parent, you may want your kids to share their passwords with you — just remind them not to give their login information to anyone else.
What happens online has real-world consequences. It's a good idea to teach your kids about their “digital footprint" and how the words and images they share can shape how people view them now and in the future.
Remember, even private messages can become public with a screenshot. Be aware of what your kids are sharing—and who their sharing information with. Encourage your kids to use caution when posting and always be respectful to others.
Scammers often target young people in phishing scams, sending email, social media or text messages to trick them into believing they've won a free gift or prize. In reality, it's an attempt to steal private information or download malware onto their devices.
Remind your kids not to open messages, click on links or download attachments from suspicious senders.
The best way to protect your kids online is to talk to them about cyber safety early and often without judgment.
Starting an open conversation will ensure they feel comfortable and safe to speak up and come to you if they have questions or concerns about an online experience. The FTC offers a great resource about talking to your kids about being online.
Be a Cybersecurity Role Model
Raising cyber smart kids starts with you! Set a good example by following these cybersecurity tips and using the Internet in a safe and responsible way. Sitting down with your family to establish household guidelines and limits around online activity is a great place to begin.
You can also visit Wright-Patt Credit Union's fraud education and awareness page to find more cyber safety tips, tools and resources to help protect you and your family from the latest scams.