For some people, the Internet is a scary place, a terrifying wilderness where anything is possible, and that’s better not to get involved with it at all. This sort of thing was possible once, but it’s becoming harder and harder to do.
For some of the adults, trying to live without the internet is hard, but still possible if you’re determined. For your children, it’s completely impossible. You might not approve, but the situation is as it is, and the truth is that everything is done over the net these days. And this situation is only expected to grow further, so that the Internet, that’s already a major part of our lives, will from now on be something that we can’t live without.
With that in mind, you should know that, even though you might not be interested in it, it’s interested in you, and that what you don’t know can still hurt you. But more than that, it can hurt your family, your children. That’s why learning about the internet isn’t optional anymore, and you have to understand what it is, how it works, and how to protect yourself and your kids. Here are five tips on how to make a decent start.
Strong, Creative Passwords
Passwords are required everywhere, on every website, on every account. And of course, you must use different ones on all of these places, because if you don’t, and one of them is breached, all of your accounts might be in danger. We know it’s difficult to remember even one complicated password, much less a bunch of them, and that a simple one that means something to you seems like a good choice at the time. Still, you must resist the urge to use your birthdate, or your kid’s name. Guessing passwords like that is a child’s play, and you will be attacked, and your data will be stolen.
To prevent this, you must teach both your kids and yourself to use strong, random passwords. Passphrases are an even better option, combine words that don’t make sense when combined, mix in upper and lower cases, use numbers and symbols and everything else that your keyboard offers. It might be a bother until you get used to it, but it will work in your favor.
Log Out And Leave No Trace
If you or your children ever get into a situation where you’re using a computer that’s not your own (and you will), whether it’s at work, friend’s house, or any other place, you must always remember to log out. If you don’t log out after your browsing session, you’re giving open access and all of your private data to anyone that sits at that same computer afterward. They might be a hacker that can use the smallest piece of info against you. Now imagine what they could do to you if they had your bank account access, home address, email account or something similar. Logging out is something that both you and your children must remember to do every single time after you’re done.
Read The Rules And The Privacy Policies
When it comes to reading rules and privacy policies, many have become victims because of their ignorance. Every single website has their version of these rules, and you really should read them before accepting them, since the fine print is how they get you. Sure, it’s boring, takes some of your time and in 99% of cases you’ll accept them anyway, but still, that 1% chance that the rules are unacceptable to you seems to appear relatively often, you’re just not aware of it. So start reading the rules before you say you’re fine with them, and teach your kids to do the same. Not just on Facebook, but on every other website as well, including Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and other websites that have become popular with the kids.
Do Not Tolerate Bullying
You might think that cyber bullying is not that big deal since it’s all done online. Your child is not in any physical danger, and what’s the worst someone can do, right? Wrong. Cyberbullying is as big of a problem as physical attacks on your kid, and must never be tolerated. Teach your child that bullying is wrong, that it must not be done, and that even seeing it must be reported immediately. Standing up to bullies must be done on the Web, just like in real life. Ignoring it can only lead to the worse situation for everyone, and there’s no shortage of victims. So explain the dangers of posting sensitive information, pictures, and alike to your child, before they fall victim to bullying.
Think Before You Post
Posting online is a serious thing, and what ends up being posted will never truly disappear. You should make sure that your kids are aware of this, and that posting thing, whether it’s a picture, a text, video or something else, can be traced back to them. Using privacy settings will make those things go away on the surface, but they’ll still be there underneath, and a skilled hacker will be able to get to it and use it against you. Sharing online is not just a popular trend anymore, it’s the way the Internet works. Your child will join in, and it’s up to you to teach them responsible sharing.
Online safety has become a real thing, and in the last 20 years, a lot that was once a distant possibility has become a reality and a part of everyday life. Online dangers are no joke, and both you and your kids must learn how to recognize them, and how to protect yourselves. The Internet is a living thing that keeps on changing and evolving, and so must you. If you keep an open mind and continue learning, it could be a wonderful experience.
Use a VPN
By using a VPN, your kid will be less vulnerable to data breaches and other forms of password stealing. If you’re worried about your kid’s privacy, a VPN is essential.
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