Online Safety & Security

I’ve been having sessions with parents regarding digital citizenship topics. One of the sessions, I call “Be Wise, Protect Yourself”, has to do with online safety and security. I can’t stress enough the importance of these measures anyone can take to ensure their own and their loved ones’ safety and security.

We start by differentiating what each term stands for:

• Online Safety refers to making sure you and your kids are not harmed, physically or emotionally, through inappropriate images, videos, content, and interaction with an unknown person that makes you feel uncomfortable.

• Online Security refers to making sure your personal information, your files, and equipment are protected from viruses, damage, and thefts.

Basic Safety Measures:

  • Be careful when giving out personal information.
  • Don’t post photos and don’t tag them.
  • Don’t accept contacts you don’t recognize.
  • Kids should tell a trusted adult of anything that seems suspicious.
  • Adjust privacy and security settings.

Basic Security Measures:

  • Password protect when possible.
  • Use a strong password.
  • Sign-out of applications and accounts.
  • Avoid using the “remind-me” checkmark.
  • Look for secure connections (https).
  • Caution when giving out private information.
  • Adjust privacy and security settings.

If you have any experiences to share or have more advice, feel free to comment.

Cheers!

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