10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe Online this Summer

1. Have a Conversation

First and foremost, talk with your kids about what platforms they want to sign up for before registering. Come up with a plan to ensure they approach things safely from the get-go.

2. Privacy Settings

Top social media companies like Facebook and Instagram offer a range of customizable privacy settings to ensure that each account can be used safely, and as privately as each user desires. Check out this guide to setting up a private account on Instagram, complete with 2-factor authentication and the ability to approve followers.

3. Webcam Covers

In the past couple years, the business world, and our kids, have increasingly used video chatting services to keep things going. Cybercriminals can access our webcams to view the rooms of our homes and offices, exposing our privacy. Investing in webcam covers for your family can be one of the easiest ways to increase your security.

4. Responsible Gaming

Playing video games might be your kids' favorite after-homework pastime but understanding safe and responsible gaming is key to online safety. Xbox and Microsoft have a comprehensive guide on setting up family profiles, controlling screen time, and playing safely online.

5. Secure Passwords

Managing your online profiles, as well as monitoring your kids' accounts, can get overwhelming, and over time we fall into habits of reusing easy-to-use passwords. Keeping track of your accounts and unique passwords is an important step in online safety, check out our very own TRS password generator to stay secure.

6. Personal Information

Advise your kids to NEVER share personal information online with strangers. Most platforms have settings to be sure your information can only be seen by people you approve.

7. Anonymous Sites & Users

Avoid websites where users are anonymously posting; these sites are often a hotbed for cyberbullying and other harmful online behavior.

8.  iPhone Settings

If your child is one of the tens of millions of people in the US who are iPhone users, Apple offers extensive privacy settings to help you manage your child's search settings, content restrictions, screen time, and more.

9.  False Sources

With kids using the internet now more than ever for schoolwork, its important to remind them that anyone can post to the internet. Fact-checking sources is an important skill to have, especially for writing an essay, check out this easy-to-use guide on identifying false information.

10.  Encourage Reporting

It is important to encourage children to be open with their parents, guardian, or teacher when they see something online that isn't right. Reporting inappropriate activity online is important in keeping these spaces safe for everyone, if you feel you need to report an offense, visit report.cybertip.org.

Looking for more cyber security tips for your business? Contact TRS today!