As children become more active online, the need for teaching them about internet safety has never been greater. Sydney Waters, a digital safety advocate, highlights the growing risk of online scams targeting children through popular platforms like social media, gaming sites, and mobile apps. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial for parents to stay vigilant.
Waters advises parents to begin by closely monitoring where their children spend time online. Knowing which websites and apps they use can help prevent exposure to potential threats. She also emphasizes the importance of educating kids about the dangers of sharing personal information online. Simple details like birthdates or addresses can be used by scammers to access accounts or even steal identities.
Another key tip from Waters is to teach children about the risks of phishing—those suspicious links in emails or messages that can lead to serious security breaches. Waters recommends that parents discuss the importance of never clicking on unfamiliar links and always consulting a trusted adult if they receive strange messages.
Additionally, parents should be aware that even free apps can have hidden costs or collect data on children. Waters suggests turning off location-sharing features in apps to further protect privacy. Finally, while parental controls can be helpful, Waters stresses the importance of actively teaching children how to manage their online presence responsibly. By instilling these habits early, parents can empower their children to navigate the digital world safely and securely.