Many people will tell you that children nowadays are only interested in moving pictures on their smartphone screens. Perhaps this is true. Nonetheless, the rising number of children with access to the Internet and computers is a well-researched fact.

As data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics shows, in 2015, over 90 percent of children (ages 3 to 18) had a computer at home. Interestingly, this number is probably even higher today.

It seems that we are doomed to coexist with the ever-growing technology. Of course, it means a lot of benefits for humans as a species. However, we also have to address the risks that come with it.

In this article, you will learn about the importance of teaching your children about cybersecurity and what methods you can use to ensure their safety while browsing the Internet. Let’s get started.

Understand the Importance of Cybersecurity

Visiting the virtual world has never been easier. These days, we are only a few clicks away from the information we are looking for. However, the same can be said about cyber-criminals.

While the technology we use is rapidly evolving and changing, hackers continuously develop new ways to use this technology against us. In 2019 alone, cyber-criminals have stolen millions worth of information, which is, to say the least, a lot of money.

In consequence, many businesses have to rely on cybersecurity professionals. The growth of sites like Bulletproof that provide all-around cybersecurity measures only further proves this point.

Nevertheless, not only businesses can become victims of cyber-attacks. After all, hackers can even hack printers or phones. This fact leads us to the crucial question: how can you keep your children’s devices from getting hacked?

Make Your Children Aware of the Danger

The first thing you should look into is educating your kids. Tell them that the Internet is not only a great source of fun and information but also a place where you can get hurt.

When your children know what they can expect, keeping them safe will become a much easier task. Moreover, you will not have to worry about their security all the time, as they will take at least some part of the responsibility from your shoulders.

You need to approach each child differently, depending on their age. After all, you want to excerpt more control over a six-year-old than a fourteen-year-old.

Create Some Safety Rules

No matter how old your child is, there are some rules that everyone should follow on the Internet. Here are some examples:

• Do not open links from unknown sources: Unverified links are among the most significant dangers on the web. Why? Because they are hard to identify by a regular user, especially a child. A good rule of thumb is to avoid clicking on links that you do not know.

• Never answer the questions about personal data: A stranger we met on the Internet may not necessarily ask our name or address with bad intentions in mind. Even so, giving our private information to others is not the best idea.

• Use two-step verification: It is much easier to break into someone’s account when they rely on one-step verification. Make use of the safety measures you have at hand! Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Use different passwords for different accounts: One password, even a long one, is not good enough. Creating multiple accounts requires you to have multiple passwords. It is as simple as that.

• Change your passwords frequently: Changing passwords at least once a month is an excellent safety measure. It can save you from an unwanted cyber-attack and accidental password leak.

Have Your Finger on the Pulse

Pondering over every activity your child participates in on the Internet may be an overreaction. However, keeping an eye on the behavior of your child might prove beneficial.

Before going all-in on giving your child full freedom, make sure to explain the threats that Internet use presents. Additionally, check if your kid follows the rules that you have previously established.

You can also install the latest security software on your child’s device or use some parental control apps. Remember that your child’s safety is on the line!

Only when you are confident that your child can behave responsibly, let them roam free on the Internet. From that point onward, make an occasional check of the software from time to time, and everything should be fine.

The Bottom Line

Whether we like it or not, we currently live in the digital age. And, like most things in life, it brings both positives and negatives.

Nonetheless, with some caution, you can prevent your children from making mistakes and suffering the consequences. Do not be afraid to educate your kids about the dangers of the net even when they are 5-year-old!

Additionally, focus not only on the benefits of using the Internet but also on the bad stuff linked to it. Remember that seeing the bigger picture will help your children better understand the World Wide Web.

Moreover, follow the safety measures and keep an eye on your children using the Internet. With the knowledge you gained here, you are bound to make the right decisions. Good luck!