Technology seems to have come a long way since the
turn of the century. Back then, most of us had sturdy, box-like desktops with a
connection to the internet that was sluggishly slow by today’s standards.
Social networks were still in their infancy, online banking didn’t exist and no
one had even heard of apps.
Fast-forward to the present and it’s an entirely
different picture – 2015 is positively futuristic by 2000’s standards. Desktops
are sleek, broadband is superfast, social media has become part of the very
fabric of life and there is an app for everything. And yes, online banking is a matter of fact.
For many adults, all this change has largely taken
place in the background of their busy lives. And while they may well have
equipped themselves with the latest tech, their understanding of all things
digital isn’t as comprehensive as they would like – 20 percent of UK adults,
for example, are lacking in basic online skills.
This is troublesome for parents, whose children are
increasingly being introduced to technology and the internet from an earlier
age – they feel unsure about what to do, where to go and about how best to deal
with this new reality.
As recent ESET research highlights, while the majority (88 percent) of
mums and dads worry about what their kids may be able to access online, many
have yet to take any meaningful steps to boost security.
So, with that in mind, let’s start small and help
you fill in those knowledge gaps. This introductory guide will offers some
useful security tips to get you thinking and inspired about online safety. It’s
never too late to learn about this very important topic.
1.
Familiarize
yourself with the internet and related technology
No one expects you to have the kind of knowledge
and expertise to rival these brilliant minds,
far from it. However, it’s important to know what you’re talking about, to
understand the tools and websites that are popular with children of all ages
and have some understanding of the risks of being online.
Why so? Well, you’re effectively in the dark about
the pros and cons of technology and the web if you have no basic grasp about
this area. Whether it’s reading about the signs of online abuse,
learning about the threat posed to gamers or familiarizing yourself with social networks that are
popular with teens, every nugget of information helps.
2.
Introduce
technology and online safety as early as possible
Some parents may be cautious about introducing
technology and even the web from an early age, but so long as it is done in a
controlled manner, you can feel confident about what your kids are seeing and
doing.
David Harley, a senior research fellow at ESET, has
suggested that this important task is so vital that it should be introduced
“way before nursery”. As he noted back in 2013:
“While I don’t advocate giving babes in arms
immediate and unrestricted access to the cyberfrontier, it’s worth trying to
give children a gentle, guided introduction: encourage them to try things, ask
questions, and engage in constructive dialogue.”
3.
Keep having a
conversation about social media and privacy
This is perhaps one of the most challenging areas
to manage in terms of balancing best practice and being overbearing. In the end, it is up to
every parent to work out what boundaries they feel comfortable with and
ultimately play it by ear as their children grow up.
However, throughout their development, it is
essential that you keep the social media conversation “active”. Stress the
centrality of these networks in modern life (keeping in touch, sharing and
learning) but also the dangers associated with them, such as solicitation from
strangers and online predators.
Also, reinforce the importance of privacy from a
safety point of view – in other words, be Share Aware, as the UK-based charity the NSPCC puts it. Let
them know why sharing personal information should be limited on social networks
because these details can easily be copied and further shared, even after the
original post has been deleted.
4.
Make sure all
your mobile devices are secure and protected
It used to be the case that the average family had
one computer, a single static access point for connecting to the internet.
That’s changed radically. From smartphones to tablets, laptops to computers,
and Smart TVs to internet-connected games consoles, we now have numerous,
web-friendly and portable devices at our disposal.
Given how difficult and impractical it is to always
keep an eye on children at all times, there’s an even greater need for parents
to feel confident that they can supervise their kids’ online activity even when
they are away from home.
With parental control apps, for example, that’s possible. This technology
allows mums and dads to “safeguard children on smartphones and tablets in this
complex digital era”, while also preventing them from racking up an expensive
bill with in-app purchases!
What makes this kind of security very effective is
its adaptability – parents can alter settings based on their child’s age, as a
case in point. Together, you and your youngsters can agree on what’s best in
terms of settings. Not only is this empowering for them, for you it leaves you
feel comfortable about the freedom you’ve given them.
Just the tip of the iceberg
We hope that the four security tips outlined above
have you feeling more confident, engaged and enthusiastic about learning about
internet security and just how important online safety is for the wellbeing of
your children.
This is only just the tip of the iceberg, as
there’s so much more you can do to ensure that your kids are successfully
introduced to technology and the internet.
However, with this guide, you’ve made an important
first step and set solid foundations upon which to develop your understanding
of this ever-important subject matter. The world is becoming more digital by
the day … it matters to be clued up.
http://www.welivesecurity.com/2015/11/25/4-top-security-tips-for-parents/
