Summer is finally here! That means more sunshine, more fun, and for many kids, a little more screen time. Whether it’s gaming with friends, watching favorite shows, or exploring new apps, technology is a big part of summer fun. But just like we teach kids to look both ways before crossing the street, it’s super important to teach them how to stay safe online.
This summer, let’s empower our elementary-aged tech users with some simple, yet crucial, security smarts. Here are the key things they should know:
- The “Stranger Danger” of the Internet
Just like in the real world, there are strangers online so it’s vital for kids to understand:
- Don’t share personal information: This includes their full name, address, phone number, school, or even where they’re going on vacation. If someone asks for this info, tell a trusted adult immediately.
- Don’t talk to strangers online: If someone they don’t know tries to chat with them in a game or on a platform, they should ignore them or block them. Remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are.
- Report anything weird: If a conversation or message makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused, they should show it to a parent or guardian right away.
- Passwords are Like Secret Codes!
Passwords are the keys to their digital castles! Teach them:
- Keep passwords secret: No sharing passwords with friends, even best friends, but always share with parents!
- Strong passwords are best: While complex passwords might be hard for younger kids, encourage them to use a mix of letters and numbers (with parental help if needed). Explain why “12345” isn’t a good password.
- Don’t write them down in plain sight: If they need to write a password down, it should be in a secure place known only to them and a parent.
- Ask Before You Click or Download!
The internet is full of exciting things, but not everything is safe.
- “Ask a grown-up first!”: Before clicking on a link, downloading a new game, or signing up for something, they should always ask a parent or guardian.
- Pop-ups can be tricky: Explain that those flashing “You’ve won a million dollars!” messages are usually fake and should never be clicked.
- Beware of free offers: If something seems too good to be true (like free Robux or V-bucks), it probably is. These can often lead to scams or viruses.
- Understand Privacy Settings
While parents will likely manage most privacy settings, it’s good for kids to understand the concept:
- “Who can see what I post?”: Briefly explain that what they share online (pictures, comments) can sometimes be seen by more people than they think. This reinforces the idea of not sharing personal information.
