Keep kids safe online

Children can easily access the internet. How can parents’ protect them from digital dangers?

The internet has become integral to the lives of most people. With mobile devices in just about every home and PCs in many schools, children have the world at their fingertips. With children of all ages being online these days, cybersecurity should be every parent’s concern. ‘Mobile devices are great for help in an emergency, and education has received a boost from computers.

However, the connectivity that internet-enabled devices make possible can be a source of real danger. With increased connectivity to the outside world comes the risk of increased harm. More people always means more potential danger,’ says the Internet Service Providers’ Association of SA (ISPA). Here are some helpful tips for managing your child’s online safety:

HAVE A DISCUSSION:
To help your children become digitally savvy, have regular open communication about the digital world. Be involved in their lives, online and offline. ‘The most important internet safety tip for parents is to have a cyber-safety discussion sooner rather than later. Safer internet browsing behaviour will likely stem from a sit-down chat between parent and child,’ advises the ISPA.

During these chats, you can find out what sites and apps they use. Discuss the dangers of revealing personal information online, and find out who they’re talking to. However, the ISPA warns against snooping. ‘It is critical to not engage in spying but to have an open discussion about responsible online behaviour with your kids.’

SET CLEAR RULES:
As a family, you should establish boundaries around internet usage. Rules could be set around where they access the internet, for how long, and for what purposes. Consider having internet-free zones and times. If children can access the web from their bedrooms, for example, they may stay up late or be tempted to watch things they shouldn’t.

Decide on the consequences for breaking any of the agreed-upon rules. Some parents choose to create an ‘internet contract’ between parent and child. Examples of such contracts, can be found online.

INSTALL A GOOD VIRUS SCANNER:
Children downloading items from untrustworthy websites may unintentionally expose their devices to security attacks. To avoid these threats, install a reputable virus scanner. Also, keep your operating systems up to date, as upgrades usually come with enhanced security features.

USE PARENTAL-CONTROL SOFTWARE:
A study by South Africa’s Film and Publication Board found that insufficient parental monitoring of children’s internet use made kids vulnerable to cyber predators, cyber-bullying, trolling and phishing. However, parental-control software can help protect your children. The software will list all the websites your child has visited and block inappropriate content from appearing onscreen. In addition, such software often includes controls for kids’ phones and tracking locations.

CHOOSE A KID-FRIENDLY SEARCH ENGINE:
Reputable search engines usually have settings to make browsing safer for kids. But these are limited. However, there are browsers available specifically for children.

MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUPERVISE GAMING:
Virtual chatting and social media can make your child a target of cyberbullying. Pay attention to the signs of bullying and discuss this with them. It would be best if you also talked to them about the dangers of sharing their photos (including photos of themselves) and location on social media and help them set privacy settings.

There are also apps to help you monitor your child’s social media activity, but you’ll need access to their account and their consent. If your child is an avid gamer, try to get them to play the games offline as much as possible. You can also set up parental controls, whether your family uses a PC or console for gaming. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 Pro, XBox Series S, Super NES Classic and Fire HD 10 Kids, for example, are regarded as child-friendly.

USE SECURE PASSWORDS OR PASSPHRASES:
The ISPA advises switching from passwords to longer, more secure passphrases. If you’re still using passwords, make sure they’re not the same across all platforms and apps, and change them as a family every few months.