The internet is part of our everyday lives and offers a lot of benefits, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. While your children are online doing homework or using social media, there are criminals lurking to steal personal information—or worse.  If you have children that use the internet, the rules you establish for going online not only positively impact their online experience, it positively impacts their safety and that of the family. Talk to your family about these internet safety tips.

For Parents

Keeping your family safe online means being proactive. Take an active role in how the computer and other devices with online access are used in your home. Establish family guidelines about internet safety and make it a regular part of family conversation. Here are some important tips for parents.

•         Always install and use internet filters and permission programs to make inappropriate sites off-limits.
•         Use parental alerts.
•         Install file sharing programs correctly and activate setting so nothing private is shared.
•         Have them use the computer and other internet devices in communal parts of the home, instead of in their room with the door shut.
•         Take all incidents of bullying seriously.
•         Always report suspicious activity, or online threats of self-harm.
•         Check browser history.

Establish family guidelines about internet safety and make it a regular part of family conversation.

For Children and Teens

Having an established set of rules helps keep everyone safe. Here are some important tips to discuss with your family.

•         Never use personal information such as name or birthdate to create screen names.
•         Use generic names instead of ones that identify whether you are male or female.
•         Always choose complex passwords and never share them.
•         Do not use secret online email or social media accounts.
•         Never give personal information such as your name, address, or name of your school or places you frequent.
•         Never agree to send photos to someone you met online.
•         Do not send pictures of friends, family members, or pictures where the background can help someone locate you.
•         Never agree to meet anyone in person whom you have met online. Ever.
•         If something does not feel right, tell your parents.
•         Always tell your parents immediately if someone sends an inappropriate, explicit, or threatening message.
•         Never reply to text, email, or pop-up messages asking for personal or financial information and do not follow links in those messages.
•         Be cautious about opening attachments, regardless of who sent them.
•         Talk to your parents before P2P file sharing.
•         Check with your parents before installing any “free” games or software.
•         Never download anything without parental consent.
•         Never buy anything online without permission.
•         Never send messages that will make someone feel sad, scared, threatened, or could be considered mean spirited.
•         Never argue with someone over the internet.
•         Tell your parents immediately about any incidents of bullying.

About Brinton Security

From an initial consultation and installation to ongoing monitoring and service, Brinton Security is dedicated to the safety of you, your family, and your home.