There are more risks on the internet than ever. That’s true for the adults among us, and unfortunately it’s true for kids too. So here are some simple ways you can keep your children safer online.
Consider choosing a phone made specifically for kids
Some phones are made specifically for young people and include features that restrict internet usage, external apps, and unknown – so potentially unsafe – contacts. There may be emergency buttons and phone number privacy also automatically included.
Similarly, select parental controls before handing over a phone. These might be privacy and security settings (including location sharing, media, and camera), time and access limits (which apps they can use and for how long), download settings (you might not want them spending any money without checking first, or without you buying an app for them), contact settings, etc. For more information, check the “Kids and Cell Phones” article on the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice site (consumer.ftc.gov).
Read game reviews
Millions of kids around the globe play games, and chances are your kids are the same: they want to race, complete, fight, roam virtual worlds, and chat online with real-life or virtual friends. But not every game is suitable for young people, as you’re probably well aware.
Read reviews on the App Store/Google Play Store, make sure the game is family-friendly, and check age-appropriate game ratings (Common Sense Media at commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews lets you find games for specific ages).
Even if your kid’s playing an age-appropriate game, unfortunately they might meet a player who bullies or threatens them. Make sure they know what to do – there are report and block options on Xbox, PlayStation, and similar consoles and devices. For added privacy, you might consider installing a VPN. This encrypts your internet traffic and makes it harder for hackers to intercept any personal information. The VPN install process is quick and easy.
Teach your kid to “Pause, screenshot, ask”
One excellent tip from a security company is to teach your children to follow the “Pause, screenshot, ask” rule anytime they’re emotional or feel in danger.
- Pause (don’t reply to a message, don’t click anything)
- Take a screenshot
- Ask an adult
Example of a seemingly urgent message: “Your account will be deleted unless you ___!”
Even if it feels urgent, it probably isn’t. But kids don’t know that yet. They don’t know that their teacher isn’t going to text them demanding a photo of something. But in the moment, especially when urgent or aggressive language is used, a scammer can get the best of us. Pause, screenshot, ask.
To wrap up
So there are three simple tips to make your kids’ internet usage safer: choose a suitable phone; read game reviews and make sure they know how to use report and block options; and teach them the “Pause, screenshot, ask” rule.
For further tips, you might consult the “Protecting Kids Online” section of the FTC website, which includes articles on parental controls, video games, privacy, Youville (the educational program), and image-based abuse.
With some precautions and extra care taken, you can keep your kids safer online – but there will always be risks, so stay aware, and make sure they’re educated.
