Internet Safety

It’s great that we designate a month for Internet Safety Awareness, as we do for Bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness in October, but this doesn’t mean that we ignore it the other eleven months of the year.

I think it is great we will see many articles and resources through this month on apps, social media, parenting tips and advice as well as insights from experts that we can all learn from.

What is most important to you?  What’s your priority?

If you’re a parent, your child’s online safety is probably on the top of your list.

• Do they know when to click out if they feel uncomfortable?
• Will they tell you if they are being harassed online?
• Do they know not to share personal information online?
• Are they careful with the photo’s the publish?
• Do they check their privacy settings frequently?
• Do they exercise good digital citizenship?

If you have a parent (a senior person) that is online, safety is a major concern for them.

• Be sure they don’t get involved in online scams.
• Click on suspicious links that can steal their identity.
• Get involved with online strangers pretending to be their friends for unsavory reasons.
• Giving out too much information – again, potential fraud.

For yourself.

• Privacy.  Almost everyone I talk to is concerned about their privacy which is almost becoming extinct.
• Passwords.  Keep them private.
• Oversharing.  It’s not only the kids.  Everyone needs to pause before sharing online.  Pause before you post or send that email.
• Digital Citizenship. You’re never too old to remember who you are online reflects who you are offline.  Use your keystrokes with respect.
• Online Reputation. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. In today’s digital society, chances are very good your first impression will be your virtual one.