*Read this excerpt from a WeLiveSecurity article to get security tips for parents*
Technology seems to have come a long way since the turn of the century. Back then, most of us had sturdy, box-like desktops with a connection to the internet that was sluggishly slow by today’s standards. Social networks were still in their infancy, online banking didn’t exist and no one had even heard of apps.
Parents, whose children are increasingly being introduced to technology and the internet from an earlier age – feel unsure about what to do, where to go and about how best to deal with this new reality.
Familiarize yourself with the internet and related technology
No one expects you to have the kind of knowledge and expertise to rival these brilliant minds, far from it. However, it’s important to know what you’re talking about, to understand the tools and websites that are popular with children of all ages and have some understanding of the risks of being online.
Why so? Well, you’re effectively in the dark about the pros and cons of technology and the web if you have no basic grasp about this area.
Introduce technology and online safety as early as possible
Some parents may be cautious about introducing technology and even the web from an early age, but so long as it is done in a controlled manner, you can feel confident about what your kids are seeing and doing.
Keep having a conversation about social media and privacy
This is perhaps one of the most challenging areas to manage in terms of balancing best practice and being overbearing. In the end, it is up to every parent to work out what boundaries they feel comfortable with and ultimately play it by ear as their children grow up.
However, throughout their development, it is essential that you keep the social media conversation “active”. Stress the centrality of these networks in modern life (keeping in touch, sharing and learning) but also the dangers associated with them, such as solicitation from strangers and online predators.
Make sure all your mobile devices are secure and protected
It used to be the case that the average family had one computer, a single static access point for connecting to the internet. That’s changed radically. From smartphones to tablets, laptops to computers, and Smart TVs to internet-connected games consoles, we now have numerous, web-friendly and portable devices at our disposal.
Given how difficult and impractical it is to always keep an eye on children at all times, there’s an even greater need for parents to feel confident that they can supervise their kids’ online activity even when they are away from home.
With parental control apps, for example, that’s possible. This technology allows mums and dads to “safeguard children on smartphones and tablets in this complex digital era”, while also preventing them from racking up an expensive bill with in-app purchases!