Do your kids use the internet? 9 things they must never do online

While we are working from home, thanks to the pandemic and the lockdowns, kids are attending their classes the same way. And this means they have access to the internet, not only for their lessons but also for entertainment. For kids nowadays, the internet is a basic essential, they cannot imagine a world without it. And because of that, they approach it with far less caution than older people, for them, it’s, more often than not, just a screen that responds to them. Kids are mostly unaware of the invisible risks at play.

While, as parents or older siblings or caretakers, the idea is not to scare kids from staying away from the internet - they cannot, their current lives require it. The concept should be to make them more aware and teach them to use the internet safely and responsibly. And to work towards that, Luis Corrons, global security expert from Avast, has nine handy tips for you to pass on to your kids.

1. Avoid posting any personal information online. This includes your full name, home address, email address, and phone number.

2. Learn where the privacy settings are on each website/app you use and adjust them all to their highest settings. Get in the practice of always doing this on all devices.

3. Remember that everything you post online lives there forever. Think twice before uploading pictures and videos of yourself (or family or friends) or posting comments you may regret later.

4. Keep your passwords secret from everyone except your parents. If anyone asks you for your passwords online - do not give it to them and inform your parents right away.

5. Add an extra layer of security. Two-factor authentication means that there is an extra layer of security when it comes to accessing your accounts. For example, apart from your password, you will also have to authenticate via a code sent to or scanned by a second device, like your phone. On social media, this is an important option to turn on in the settings to ensure that your account remains yours but also so your parents can see where and when you are logging in.

6. Remember that not everyone is who they say they are online. For that reason, stay away from befriending any strangers online, and never make plans to meet with someone you don’t know. If someone you don’t know asks you to meet, tell your parents immediately.

7. Speak up about cyberbullying. If you think you are being cyberbullied notify a responsible adult you trust. You should also talk with a grown-up if you think a friend is being bullied online.

8. Respect other people’s views. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, including you. Always feel free to say/write what you believe but do so without being rude or mean.

9. If you see or hear anything online that makes you uncomfortable, stop interacting with the app or website, and speak to a trusted adult about it right away.