As the school year comes to a close, many families will be spending more time online. Whether they’re using their phones, laptops or tablets, there are some essential tips for keeping kids safe online while out of school.
The first step is to talk to your kids about what they’re doing online. Make sure they understand the risks associated with using the internet and social media and that they know how to protect themselves.
Another important step is to set parental controls on devices used by your kids. This will help restrict access to inappropriate content and websites. You can also use tracking software to monitor your kid’s online activity.
Finally, make sure you have a good security system in place for all of your devices. This will help protect your family’s privacy and keep them safe from hackers and other online threats.
What should parents be aware of?
As the school year comes to a close, many parents are looking forward to enjoying the summer break with their children. But before you let them loose online, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First and foremost, make sure your child uses strong passwords and security measures on all their devices and accounts. You can also set parental controls on popular platforms like YouTube and Netflix to help limit their screen time.
Another thing to remember is that scams often increase during the summer months. So be sure to warn your kids about phony contests, sweepstakes, job offers, and other schemes that could lead to identity theft or financial loss. Finally, it’s essential to talk with your kids about the dangers of sharing too much information online. Visit protect kids online live.
Online Gaming
For example, Cybertip.ca released an alert regarding the popular multi-player website Roblox.
Online gaming is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged while out of school. However, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure their safety.
Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your kids are playing appropriate games for their age group.
- Restrict their time online, especially if they’re not old enough to be responsible for their safety.
- Keep an eye on what they’re doing and who they’re talking to, and remind them not to share personal information with strangers.
- Make sure they’re using a secure connection when playing online games – this will help protect them from predators and hackers.
- Teach your kids how to stay safe online and what to do if they encounter any problems or bullies while gaming.
TikTok
Now that the kids are out of school for the summer, parents may be wondering how to keep them safe online. One app that has become popular among kids and teens is TikTok.
Here are a few tips for keeping your kids safe while using TikTok:
- First, make sure your kids are aware of the privacy settings on TikTok and that they are only sharing content with people they know and trust.
- Teach your kids not to share personal information like their address or phone number on the app.
- Encourage your kids to think before they post anything and avoid posting anything that could be embarrassing or harmful later on.
- Be aware of what your kids are watching on TikTok and talk to them about any videos or content that you feel is inappropriate.
- A Quick Guide to TikTok.
Cyber Tip Grooming
The summer break is a time for kids to enjoy their freedom and escape the rigours of school, but with that comes a new set of dangers lurking online. Pedophiles take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere during the summer months to groom unsuspecting victims through social media and gaming platforms. To keep your child safe, be sure to follow these tips:
- Keep communication open. Talk to your kids about cyber safety and what they should and shouldn’t share online. Establish rules for using devices and be clear about what is appropriate behaviour both in-person and online.
- Monitor their activity. Check-in on your child’s social media accounts and see what they’re talking about, sharing, and following. Use parental controls on devices and software to help limit exposure to inappropriate content.
- Stay informed. Learn more about how offenders attempt to gain access to children online by grooming.
What can parents do?
As the school year comes to a close, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children safe online while they’re out of school. Here are a few tips:
- First, talk to your kids about what they’re doing online and how to stay safe.
- Install parental controls on your home Wi-Fi network and your children’s devices.
- Monitor your children’s online activities, and set rules and expectations for appropriate behaviour.
- Keep your home computer in a central location where you can easily see what your kids are doing online.
- Finally, encourage your children to talk to you if they encounter anything online that makes them uncomfortable or scares them.
- Promote positive offline activities, like sports, hobbies, and family time to help keep your kids away from dangerous online environments.
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