Online Privacy for Families
Whether we like it or not, everyone who uses the Internet will constantly be exposed to online dangers. While staying safe online isn't a very difficult thing to do when you're aware of these threats, young kids, new users, and unaware adults need to be educated about them. Here's a short list:
Malicious and inappropriate content – while the Internet offers a world of fun and learning for kids, it’s also rife with sites with sexual, violent and inappropriate content. One accidental click could lead to thousands of similar sites.
The fix: To avoid accidentally being exposed to these sites, parents should establish rules regarding computer and Internet use. Parents can also block access to mature and inappropriate sites by using a browser's built-in content filters, as well as installing security software that offers parental controls and monitoring features.
Exploitative and abusive people – the Internet could be the perfect place to meet new people and foster new friendships. However, some kids don’t scrutinize new connections and end up being victims of cyberbullying or exploitation. As seen in the news, many kids resort to self-harm when the online abuse gets out of hand. Additionally, online predators are also out to exploit minors who are just too young to know any better.
The fix: Privacy and Internet safety is not just about what you share, but more importantly, who your audience is as well. Parents are advised to monitor who their kids add to their social networks, and confirming that they personally know everyone in contact with their children to minimize the risk of exploitation and cyberbullying.
Parents and guardians should take the initiative to educate and train their kids about the many risks they may face online. Awareness and education is a good first step. When applied with proper safety guidelines, it can strengthen the security of a family’s online environment.
