Top Tips at Back-to-School Time

Cyber tips for parents often focus on older children and teens. But kids are getting exposed to the online world, and all its risks, earlier and earlier. If your child doesn’t have a laptop for school or a phone in their pocket, one of their friends (or their friend’s siblings) surely does, so it’s best to get started sooner rather than later. Here are some device safety tips for parents of younger students going back to school.

• Start the conversation early. Talk to your kids about online safety in age-appropriate terms. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions or tell you if something online makes them uncomfortable.
• Set up parental controls. Use built-in settings on devices, apps, and routers to block inappropriate content and set screen time limits.
• Use child-specific accounts. Create separate logins for your child on tablets, Chromebooks, and other devices. These accounts can limit access and track usage.
• Limit app downloads. Only allow apps you’ve vetted, and turn off in-app purchases to avoid surprise charges.
• Monitor classroom tech. Many elementary schools now use educational platforms. Review what data those platforms collect and whether your child’s information is being shared.
• Teach strong habits. Even young kids can learn not to share passwords or personal information like their address or school name online.
• Watch out for YouTube. Even with “restricted mode,” inappropriate videos slip through. Supervise use or use more child-friendly alternatives like YouTube Kids.
• Avoid device sharing. If you share a phone or tablet with your child, make sure sensitive work emails, financial apps, and messaging accounts are out of their reach.
• Stay involved. Ask your kids what they’re doing online. Encourage openness so they’ll come to you with problems.
• Be a role model. Kids learn from what they see. Use your own devices responsibly and model good digital behavior.

Children, by nature, test their boundaries as they learn and have little understanding of the long-lasting consequences of unsafe internet usage. Review these tips periodically to make sure your child’s internet use hasn’t changed and that you’re still up-to-date on their cyber safety.

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