Top 10 Internet Safety Rules Students Should Know
During pandemics, all of us have worked from home and our kids have attended their schools online. This has allowed me to stay more online and less on books. Even though parents keep a watch on their kids, there are still moments when kids get their hands-on gadgets.
There are signs that we and our children have improved our understanding of the consequences of sharing our personal information on the internet. However, technological advancements continue to present new threats to our privacy and security. Spam, scams, and fraud are a few of the issues we and our children confront when we use technology.
All adults have the responsibility to teach kids about the pros and cons as well as threats related to online platforms. Heres what you need to teach and explain to kids about online threats and internet safety facts
1. Teach Them about Privacy
The importance of beginning early with cyber safety education cannot be overstated. We tend to communicate the message that privacy is important by starting dialogues with children at an early age. Allow children to understand that they have a right to online data privacy and that there are laws in place to protect it. Discuss the reasons for age restrictions and how to rationalize risks in an age-appropriate way.
Inquire of children what they are concerned about when it comes to privacy. Create zones where people can get a lot of information or help. Tips on internet safety for students in schools will make it easier to start a conversation about privacy in the classroom, on the playground, and at the front desk.
2. No Sharing of Personal Information
Children may feel compelled to post their thoughts, feelings, and photos on social media. They’ll also be prompted for personal information to access games and apps. Discuss the concept of private information and its importance and value in cybercrime. Encourage kids to provide the necessary information. Remind them that their posts are commonly shared but not their personal information, so they should be cautious about what they share online, even with friends. Scams attempting to steal our money, passwords, or identities should be remembered by both children and adults.
3. Dont let children browse alone
Make it a rule that the child can only use the device in the lounge or the presence of an adult. This way, parents or any adult can ensure that the youngster does not read inappropriate stuff online while also supervising the child’s online activity.
4. Dont let them make online friends and meet them
Teach your children that the internet is a place of mystery and that their online acquaintances may not be who they claim to be. It’s risky to travel with online buddies since they could be pedophiles or kidnappers. Keep an eye on your children’s online friends and report any questionable behaviors or people to your local cyber-crime unit.
5.Teach your kids to never click on pop-up ads or sign up for e-newsletters
When you click on pop-ups or advertisements, spyware or viruses may be downloaded to your device. They could even be an internet hoax designed to gather the user’s personal information. E-newsletters require much too many personal details, and it is dangerous for children to give out such information on the internet. Teach your children to stay away from dubious email attachments, pop-ups, advertisements, and e-newsletters.
6. Teach them to use a strong password
Teach the kids the importance of using strong passwords for internet data security and why they should never share their passwords with anybody. Passwords that are at least eight characters long and contain at least one range, one special character, one uppercase, and lower case are more difficult to crack.
7. Use a Trustworthy Secure Software
Make sure you install good security software on your devices to protect online data prevent viruses, malware, and spyware, as well as firewalls set on to prevent pop-ups and hackers. Numerous online safety solutions can help you manage your children’s access to inappropriate content. Make sure your youngster is safe by using these tools.
8. Dont allow children to shop online alone
Children should never be permitted to shop on the internet unaccompanied. They may submit Mastercard information on an unprotected website, allowing fraudsters to gain access to sensitive financial information.
9. Keep an eye on what your children post on the internet
Teach your children that once something is posted on the internet, it cannot be removed. As a result, people should be extremely cautious about what they share on the internet. Teenagers, for example, may publish images of themselves on the internet or use social media to express themselves. Make sure to keep an eye on this, and if you think an image or message is unsuitable, make sure it’s removed or never announced in the first place. Being upfront with your children and explaining your reasons will help you prevent conflict and guarantee that your children cooperate.
10. Establish a Time Limit for internet Usage
Set a specific cut-off date for your children’s online activities. It is preferable to limit children’s online time, whether for recreational or educational purposes. Discuss this with your children and decide on a daily collecting cut-off date.
Whether we like it or not, smartphones, apps, games, and social media are a huge part of many children’s lives. Regardless of age limits, a lot of kids are logging on platforms before they turn 13. Time spent online might provide ability and creativity, but it can also pose a risk.
