You have to trust your kids eventually. When it comes to safety on the internet, information and clear guidance are the best lines of defense a parent can offer. In this issue, I share my own daughter's Top 10 list of safe-computing tips.
A year or so ago, I wrote an Optimal Impact about parenting in the digital age. In that article, we talked about online predators posing as children in chat rooms and on social networking sites, among other things. Despite the efforts by many to educate the masses about the dangers that exist online (for both children and adults), every week, there is a story about bad news on the internet, like identity theft, email schemes, and online bullying with tragic results. As such, I thought it was time to revisit the topic—and I went to someone who knows what she’s doing. My 14-year-old daughter, Shari, spends approximately 1-2 hours per day online (more on the weekends), and always practices safe computing. Below is her Top 10 list of the ways to avoid trouble online. These safe-computing guidelines work for Shari, and they will work for your kids (and you!).
- Be aware that the Internet is a dangerous place. It’s fun, but requires the same cognitive diligence (and environmental awareness) you would devote to protecting yourself in a secluded area.
- Always protect your identity. This means never posting personal information—like your full name, address, and phone number on social networking sites, and never entering this information upon request, unless it is on a site you know and trust.
- Discretion = protection. Talking online is ok, but divulging everything isn’t. When you are involved in chat room discussions, contributing to forums, or posting on message boards, do not use pictures of yourself, and be sure to use an anonymous screen name.
- The more email addresses, the better. Well, sort of. When you are signing up to receive email newsletters or special alerts, or becoming a member of a specific site, consider creating a unique email address instead of using your regular personal email. That way, should the site be hacked, your personal email isn’t in jeopardy.
- Use those privacy settings! After all, they’re there for a reason. So, when you join social networking sites, be sure to adjust the privacy settings to allow only those within your network to see your contributions.
- Research before you connect. Before you “friend” someone or accept a “friend request” on Facebook, or connect in a similar manner on other social networking sites, do your research. Make sure the individual is a person with whom you are actually friends—or that you have mutual friends or connections in common that can vouch for this person.
- Avoid sketchy websites. If a website is filled with advertisements that won’t close, or inundated with continual pop-ups, this is a red flag. Likewise, if a website contains misspellings and/or lacks professionalism, avoid it. Finally, if a website asks you to fill out a survey before gaining access (there are many video-viewing sites out there like this), run the other way.
- Purchase securely. Only make purchases from well-known and trusted sites (i.e., Amazon, eBay, etc.). And, when making a purchase on the Internet, make sure that the URL changes from http:// to https://. The “s” stands for “secure” and is an indication that a transaction can be made securely and safely.
- If you don’t recognize it, don’t open it. We all automatically delete emails that are obviously spam, but we should also delete (without opening) any emails from senders we don’t recognize. As an extra step, you can also block unknown senders. These steps can save you from malware attacks.
- Download with caution. Only download programs, software, and videos that are safe, from reputable sources, and not under copyright. That way, you’ll be sure to avoid any viruses or spyware attached to illegal or disreputable downloads.
Last Word
Indisputably, it is easier to ensure your children’s online safety when they are young. There are a variety of parental control software packages that filter websites and instant message programs, block inappropriate content, and monitor online activities. Then, they grow up and it no longer makes sense to have such strict restrictions (or, as in my case with Shari, your child hacks into your parental control software). That’s when it’s time to talk to your kids about safe computing and individual responsibility for safety online. I hope Shari’s 10 safe-computing guidelines can help guide that conversation!
Have questions about the information contained in this article? Is there a new technology topic you would like to learn more about? Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We want to hear from you! Your topic may be covered in an upcoming issue of Optimal Impact.
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