Have you ever gotten that eye roll from a 10-year-old when you try to talk to them about cybersecurity? While a lot of kids know a great deal about navigating technology, they still need guidance about safety. A good starting point is comparing being home alone to being online alone (from a parent’s or guardian’s perspective).
Home alone plan:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts
- Do not open the door to strangers
- Keep doors and windows locked
- Don’t answer the phone unless it is us
- Don’t climb on the furniture
Mobile alone plan:
- Notify us about uncomfortable interactions
- Don’t connect with strangers
- Use strong passwords and auto-update apps
- Don’t answer messages from strangers
- Don’t go to sketchy websites
Providing clear guidelines about what kids should or shouldn’t do online will help keep the whole family safe.