Online Safety for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Reducing Digital Footprints
In today’s digital era, the internet has become a second home for many children. Most of them receive their first smartphone or tablet during elementary school, and modern education now revolves around technology.
However, this increased presence online exposes children to hidden risks that parents often underestimate.
Cybercriminals can trick kids into sharing personal details, clicking on malicious links, or joining unsafe chats. That’s why cybersecurity must become part of daily family life — not just a set of warnings when problems occur.
Sensitive Areas Parents Should Watch:
- School or university group chats on insecure messaging apps
- Voice chats in online games
- Over‑sharing on social media
- Internet searches and global networking activities
- Using AI tools and generators without privacy awareness
- Accessing public Wi‑Fi or open networks
Best Practices for Parents:
The right way to protect children online is not through strict control, but through honest, informed communication. Rules without explanation only create distance between parent and child. So:
1. Be mindful of what they share
Avoid posting full names, birth dates, school details, or location info in profiles. Always disable geolocation in posts and remind them of the golden rule:
“Once it’s online, it’s online forever.”
2. Be cautious with links
Teach your child to verify every unknown link using anti‑phishing tools and to ignore unrealistic offers or sudden rewards.
3. Practice safe gaming communication
Voice chats should remain game‑related only. If conversations turn personal or inappropriate, the child should leave the chat or block the user.
4. Avoid public Wi‑Fi
Open networks can expose personal data. Prefer mobile internet or secure VPN connections instead.
5. Download carefully
Every file or attachment should be treated as suspicious. Run antivirus checks before opening anything.
6. Use artificial intelligence smartly
Chatbots are tools — not friends. Never enter personal details into them, and always verify the information they provide before sharing.
7. Enable parental controls
Activate parental control features on all devices. Child modes on streaming platforms and apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids can filter inappropriate content, limit screen time, and even monitor your child’s real‑time location.
8. Share digital experiences together
The best filter is you — the parent. Watch videos, play games, and browse with your child to build trust and teach critical digital values.
Useful Tools for Better Online Security:
- Strong, unique passwords with a password manager
- Two‑factor authentication on all major accounts
- Reliable anti‑phishing and anti‑malware tools
- Regular monitoring of your child’s online footprint
Source: MedadPress
www.medadpress.ir