Simple Tips for Protecting Children Who Are Online

DEM Blogger

October 6, 2018

During National Cyber Security Month…or anytime, make sure you know how and who your children are accessing information from the internet and what they’re online. They may have a phone, a tablet and a home computer. Make sure you check browser histories and websites that children visit.

Create an open and honest environment with kids.

Start conversations regularly about practicing online safety.
Emphasize the concept of credibility to teens: not everything they see on the Internet is true and people on the Internet may not be who they appear to be.

Watch for changes in behavior — if your child suddenly avoids the computer, it may be a sign they are being bullied online.

Review security settings and privacy policies for the websites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.

Make sure mobile devices are secure. Use PINs and passwords, only install apps from trusted sources, and understand the privacy settings and permissions for all apps.

IF YOU OR A CHILD IS A VICTIM OF ONLINE CRIME

Notify your local authorities and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

If you think a site has collected information from your kids or marketed to them in a way that violates the law, report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

If someone has had inappropriate contact with your child, or a child you know, report it to www.cybertipline.com and the police.