In recent years the Internet has entered our lives for good. Social media, photos, recipes, news, videos, games and anything else we may be interested in can now be found online. What can you do to help keep your family safe in the internet age?

As a parent or guardian, you know what is right for your family and how your children learn best. To help your family explore new technologies, gadgets and services in an ever-changing online world, here are some practical tips:

  • Talk to your family about cybersecurity
  • Use technology with your children
  • Protect your passwords
  • Use privacy settings & sharing control 
  • Check age restrictions on all websites 
  • Teach your family to communicate wisely 
  • Talk to other adults who have kids
  • Protect your computer and identity
  • Do not stop dealing with cyber security and adopt the developments of technology

Keep track of children’s phones 

If you have given your child a phone, it is a good idea to know how he or she uses it, as many children remain naive and may fall victim to cunning. If he has a smartphone, check his activities regularly over the phone. In any case, talk to him to explain why it is not safe to give personal information but also to talk online with people who do not know either him or you. You should look at how to track a cell phone location without installing software. This way you can keep a safe distance and not appear to be ‘stalking’ but rather overseeing any abnormal issues and flagging them up when needed.

Do not use the same password everywhere 

Shield your accounts, your emails and everything else you have on the Internet in case your mobile phone, tablet or laptop is stolen or even someone “hacks” you, using different and as many the most difficult codes possible. You can look online to see how you can create the best password possible! 

Avoid accessing your WiFi accounts that you do not know

WiFI networks belonging to municipalities, libraries, shops, cafes, etc., may be monitored by some, so it is best not to access your emails and accounts from unknown networks . If someone gains access to your phone for example they can see everything from your messages to your bank accounts (if you are connecting to your bank applications via unknown WiFi). Safety always comes first.

Always use a “lock” or password on your devices.

It may not discourage someone from stealing your mobile phone, for example, but it will make it difficult for them to access your personal information which keeps your family safe if any devices are stolen. Do not stop the 1 second you will need to unlock your mobile from doing what you can to prevent someone from gaining information about you and your family.

Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

It may be common sense, but it’s a good idea to repeat it as often as possible: do not give information such as your account number or address to people you do not know, even if they offer you money. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! Also, be sure to only use websites that use google consent mode, as you can rest assured that it is safe and your data is protected.

Keep Your ‘Online’ Friendships Online

As exciting as it may sound to meet one of your online friends, it is usually not a good idea. Especially if you consider that in the digital age it is very easy for someone to lie about who they really are, since you can never be the one who can be hiding behind a screen. If you truly want to meet with someone, then you should go in a group or with assistance, just in case they aren’t who they say they are. 

Watch what you upload online

For example, if you plan to miss a few days, you can avoid writing on social media how happy you are to finally go on vacation and be away from then until then. Also, avoid uploading things that you would not want your boss to see or know. In recent years it has become common for employers to control their employees through social media.

Say no to online bullying

Some people use the Internet to harass others, because they have a different religion, skin color, sexual orientation, etc. Do not take them seriously, no matter how “toxic” they are. If you feel that they are being misled, do not hesitate to report them to the authorities. Encourage your children to speak up about any problems they have. This includes bullying, as some kids feel embarrassed or ashamed to mention it. Ensure that they know it is vital. 

Do you have any other tips to keep your family safe online? I would love to know in the comments below.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet.