Lost in the digital world? We've got your back.
Lost in the digital world?
We've got your back.
Lost in the digital world? We've got your back.
Online Safety Advice
The rapid development of the online landscape has made our lives more convenient, more enjoyable, and connected us all like never before. Social media especially has made interacting with new people easier than ever. And like every good thing, it comes with risks. It’s never been easier for strangers to target us or our children. That’s why it’s so important to have open conversations with them as to who they’re talking to online and if they have dealt with any of those risks. While we hope our children always make the right choices online, recognizing potential threats can be challenging. No parent can monitor their child’s every move, but CASSA can provide guidance and support for navigating the digital world safely while enhancing every child’s experience online.
To ensure every family can confidently do just that, we’ve compiled some essential safety tips here:
Digital Citizenship
Protecting Their Data
Make sure your children are hesitant to provide anyone sensitive personal information whether on the internet or social media. You should also have an understanding of the privacy policies of websites and applications they’re using. Look for the explanations of how the games and platforms collect, use, and share data. If you don’t feel comfortable with their policies, limit your child’s use or create a parent-controlled account. And if they have their own accounts, always check if they have strong passwords.
Media Literacy
Children need to be able to evaluate online information critically, identifying false, misleading, or dangerous content. Understanding clickbait titles and suspicious email subject lines can help protect them from scams and viruses. They should be cautious about who they interact with online and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
A Minimal Digital Footprint
Children should be mindful of their digital footprint. Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove, even if it’s deleted. Encourage your child to think before they post and to avoid sharing personal information online. You should show them how their posts can shape a digital identity that may not accurately represent them.
Healthy Screen Time Habits
Help your children create a balance between their online and offline time. Learning how to limit their screen time now will help them build a habit that will last a lifetime. Consider tracking your own screen time alongside your child’s to set a positive example. From there, encourage them to focus more on their offline interests.
Social Media Safety
Private Profiles
When your children are setting up social media profiles, ensure their accounts are set to private and stay that way.
Protecting Personal Information
Be cautious about posting your and your child’s personal information, such as location, contact details, and photos, specifically of your younger children on your profile. This can help protect your child from potential risks like cyberbullying and online predators.
Think Before Posting
Be mindful of your child’s online image. Like we previously said, every post and comment contributes to their digital footprint, so encourage them to think before they share something online. Regularly review their social media profiles to see if they are maintaining a positive reputation.
Choose Friends and Followers Wisely
Have an idea of who follows your children and who they follow. They should only accept friend requests from people they know and trust.. If someone is being mean or hurtful online, tell them to not engage. Instead, block and report them to the platform.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Be Kind to Yourself
Children need to learn to avoid comparing themselves to others and focus on their own journey. Everyone is unique, and social media often doesn’t reflect reality.
Prioritize the Real World
Don’t let their devices take over their lives. Prioritize real-world activities, like spending time with family and friends, playing sports, or pursuing hobbies. What’s happening on the screens is much less important than what’s happening around them.
Talk About Struggles
If your child is struggling with something online, encourage open communication. Let them know you’re there to listen and support them. By creating a safe and open environment, you can help them navigate the challenges of the digital world.
Resources for Help, Support, and Advice
Being a part of CASSA’s family, communicating with our digital guardians, and following our advice establishes the foundation for your children’s safety online. However, if you need additional help or your child is having problems staying safe, you are not alone! There are more resources and outlets available to you which we have linked below. If you believe your child is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency; They are extremely empathetic and ready to help in any situation.
Resources for Help, Support, and Advice
Being a part of CASSA’s family, communicating with our digital guardians, and following our advice establishes the foundation for your children’s safety online. However, if you need additional help or your child is having problems staying safe, you are not alone! There are more resources and outlets available to you which we have linked below. If you believe your child is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency; They are extremely empathetic and ready to help in any situation.
