Keep kids cyber-safe this summer

The summer time is drawing close. Kids are getting released from school and families are seeking summertime getaways.

In addition to seeking more recreational opportunity, youth will also have the chance for more downtime at home. This is needed as they recharge and recuperate from their hard work with school, sports and other extracurricular activities.

There are also some risks that can come with kids having more free time. This can come in the form of possibly engaging in risky behaviors like drinking with peers or just simply exploring places they should not. However, one of the greatest threats to their well-being comes right from their desk at home— being online.

The dangers are a real threat, though. Apps like Snapchat, Kik, Instagram and Whisper allow kids to interact with unknown people from all over the world. These apps allow for texts, photos and other forms of media to be sent as well. They operate under a banner of privacy and anonymity, which is not entirely the case.

However, predators use the anonymity that is available to conceal themselves and lure vulnerable youth into engaging in potentially harmful behavior.

As part of my goal of keeping you informed on how to keep your children safe and healthy, I am going to be doing a three-part Summer Safety Series for “Raising Healthy Minds.”

I want to cover the topic of online safety for this first part, as there has been recent security threats on social media platforms.

For parents, the cyber world your child or teen seems to be so adept in may seem like a foreign land to you.

I am going to outline several do’s and don’ts courtesy of the Onslow County Partnership for Children and netsmartz.org that you can go over with your kids and give recommendations on how to start the conversation in practical ways:

Do’s

Be polite to others when using the internet.

Get your parent’s permission before you download any programs from the internet. They may contain viruses or spyware.

Talk to your parents if you’re contacted online by someone you do not know.

Notify your parents if you receive or come across anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused.

Avoid gossip or posting anything that could hurt the reputation or feelings of someone else.

Protect your space. Get rid of anything on your profiles that contains personal information and use your privacy settings.

Don’ts

Send or post pictures online that you would not want your parents to see.

Believe everything that you read online or that someone tells you online. Ask your parents.

Answer any message that is cruel or makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused.

Agree to meet with someone you’ve met online before getting parental permission.

Keep your online friends a secret from your parents.

Give out information about you or your family to individuals you meet online.

Having this conversation might seem awkward at first. Consider leading into it with asking open-ended questions like, “What would you do if anyone online asked to meet you face-to-face,” or “What are your favorite things to do online?”

Be relaxed with your kids and put them at ease so they can feel comfortable answering honestly. Be honest and open about your own experiences when you made wrong choices and what you want them to avoid.

You may not have experienced these things online, but the concept of admitting mistakes lets your kids know that you don’t expect them to know everything and they can come to you with their own confusion or mistakes.

I cannot stress enough that you are the parent. You pay for the internet, phones and computers. They are your property and you have the right to know everything that goes on with them.

Study the texting lingo, as kids use it online to communicate in ways their parents aren’t expected to understand.

Be honest about the dangers online. Inform your kids on the tactics that predators use to lure them so they can spot the danger. There are parental controls and apps available like Net Nanny and MMGuardian that allow you to monitor and filter the content available to your kids. Keep the lines of communication open and remain vigilant. Kids are more tech-savvy now than perhaps they ever have been. Together, let’s keep them safe this summer.

For more information on cyber safety for kids, visit www.netsmartz.org/internetsafety.