What Steps Can I Take To Foster Strong Cyber Security Routines In My Kids?

*This is a collaborative guest post

Screen time, once a casual indulgence, has quietly morphed into a central pillar of daily life. From checking mail first thing in the morning to snacking on videos on our smartphones, screen time dominates our attention. We clock in nearly seven hours per day on mobile devices. Indeed, kids spend significantly less time in front of screens than adults, but the time they do spend is concentrated in the most critical years for healthy development, making balanced digital habits indispensable. 

The Internet provides infinite opportunities for kids to learn and explore, connect with family and friends, or be wildly creative (e.g., writing, game design, etc.). Like all of us, they’re increasingly living in a digital world. Using the Internet underscores the need for digital security and awareness. There’s lots of fun stuff online, but some things can be tricky or unsafe, like sneaky viruses, confusing messages, or people trying to get your private info. Parents must be actively vigilant and maintain open communication to address any potential threats. 

Here’s how to equip your kids with the skills they need to stay safe in a digitally connected world. 

Educate Early And Often 

Kids use a wide range of Internet-connected technologies, like computers, mobile phones, tablets, and watches, but that doesn’t mean they know how to use them safely. The lack of cyber security education in schools leaves kids vulnerable to online threats like inappropriate content (violent or sexual material), cyberbullying, online abuse (i.e., predators who groom and exploit youngsters), and scams or phishing. There’s also the risk of misinformation, which can harm kids’ mental health, physical well-being, and understanding of the world. 

Take time to find cyber security resources. You can find online cybersecurity advice from governmental organizations like the National Cyber Security Centre for the best practices. For learning, platforms like Coursera offer training on topics like data protection, whereas news sites like Wired and UpGuard offer extensive cyber security information. Reinforce lessons through everyday conversations to deepen understanding and retention, prioritizing fundamental ideas like personal information, privacy, and why passwords are important. 

Lead By Example: Stop Oversharing Online 

Role modelling is key, as it provides tangible examples of desirable behaviors, attitudes, and skills. Kids are strongly influenced by what they see adults do, so if you avoid sharing the intimate details of your life with strangers online, your little ones will instinctively copy this behavior. Social media platforms like Instagram allow you to make your profile and posts visible to friends only, so the broader Internet can’t see what you’re doing, saying, or posting. 

Post vacation photos after you get back home, so people don’t know when you’re away. While it may impress your friends, it also attracts thieves, so exercise discretion because not everyone on social media is your friend. Many individuals conceal their true identities or have ulterior motives rather than genuine goodwill. Avoid posting confirmation numbers for hotel reservations, airline tickets, or excursions, as the data can be manipulated to your disadvantage. 

Create Clear, Age-Appropriate Guidelines 

Robust AI systems shape youngsters’ digital interactions by suggesting articles to read, videos to watch, music to play, and even people to connect with. Rather than restricting your kids’ Internet access, you should arm them with the knowledge they need to stay safe from harm. Guidelines should cover what activities are allowed, how to protect personal information, the importance of not interacting with strangers, and when to report suspicious activity. 

Here are some rules kids should know before having unrestrained access to technology: 

1. Don’t download just anything: 

Malware, spyware, and ransomware are downloaded by clicking on infected links or downloading apps from untrusted sources. Fake results can appear at the top of Google Search, so it’s challenging to protect against infostealers. Use parental controls, install security software, and educate kids to ask for permission before downloading. 

2. Keep usernames and passwords safe

Kids often choose passwords that are easy to remember, like their name, birthday, or sequential numbers (i.e., 123456). You can use an open source password manager to store login credentials for different websites, applications, and services. Most password managers offer plans that allow multiple users to share an account, improving cyber security for the entire family. 

3. Don’t share sensitive information

Kids face risks to their privacy, identity, and reputation like never before. They’re sharing about things we used to be quiet about, like mental health or sexual orientation, especially if they feel vulnerable or marginalized. Teach your kids to think about whether to share, how to share, and, most importantly, with whom. There are risks that come along with sharing opinions, experiences, or pictures, like mocking or cyberbullying from peers or strangers. 

4. Choose your friends wisely

Kids turn to the Internet to find friends because they don’t feel accepted in real life. In the real world, they’re judged for their financial status, the color of their skin, their ability to express thoughts and feelings, etc. The Internet can be dangerous, as you never know for sure who you’re talking to. Your kids shouldn’t speak to someone online they don’t know in real life, nor should they share personal details online, i.e., their address. 

5. Don’t click on ads 

Finally, yet importantly, discuss the purpose of advertising and its persuasive techniques, like creating urgency. Few content providers are completely ad-free, and the best defense against sneaky advertisers is to teach kids how to decode the real messages. They should look for labels like “sponsored”, “ad”, or “promoted”. Equally important is to explain to your kids that not all influencer recommendations are genuine; most of them are paid partnerships. 

Concluding Remarks 

Kids under the age of five are still developing an understanding of the world, including the Internet, so you should oversee and restrict their online activity. For example, you should keep devices out of reach and sight. If your kids are entering the teen years, they may become obsessed with social media and online gaming, and this is an excellent time to teach multi-factor authentication and how to avoid cyberbullying. Remember, cyber security is a shared responsibility.