Back-to-School Internet Safety Tips for Kids
It’s hard to believe, but summer break has come to an end, and many East Texas schools are already back in session. As students return to classrooms, they’re also returning to school-issued devices, apps, social media and other online tools. BBB reminds parents and caregivers to make internet safety part of the back-to-school routine.
“Technology is a big part of how kids learn, communicate and socialize, which makes ongoing conversations about online safety more important than ever,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas. “By teaching their children how to recognize scams, protect their privacy and speak up when something doesn’t feel right, parents can help them make safer choices online.”
BBB advises parents and caregivers to keep the following in mind:
Know what platforms your child is using. Be familiar with the apps, games, social media platforms and accounts your child uses. Review privacy settings together, know who can contact them and pay attention to permissions which allow access to their camera, microphone or location.
Protect personal information. Teach children not to share information such as their full name, address, school, phone number, passwords or real-time location. Be careful with back-to-school photos, too. Displaying a child’s name, school, teacher or grade can reveal more than parents intend.
Watch for phishing, giveaways and “free” offers. Kids can be targets of fraudulent emails, texts, direct messages and gaming offers. Teach them not to click unfamiliar links or provide personal or financial information in exchange for prizes, free game currency or other offers. Even legitimate free apps and games may include in-app purchases.
Have a discussion about online strangers. Someone your child meets through social media, gaming or a messaging app may not be who they claim to be. The FBI warns that young people are also targets of sextortion schemes in which offenders use threats or private images to demand money or additional images. Encourage children to tell a trusted adult immediately if an online interaction becomes threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable.
Secure devices and accounts. Use parental controls when appropriate, keep devices and apps updated, use strong and unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when available. Most importantly, keep the conversation going so children know they can ask for help when something online doesn’t seem right.
“The goal isn’t to make children afraid of technology. It’s to help them develop good habits, recognize warning signs and know when to ask for help. Parents who stay involved in their children’s online lives can help them become safer and more responsible digital citizens,” Mills said.
For more information
For additional back-to-school and online safety information, visit BBB’s Back-to-School HQ and BBB’s Back-to-School Internet Safety Tips.
Parents and caregivers can also find resources at the FTC’s Protecting Kids Online page and the FBI’s Financially Motivated Sextortion resource.
About BBB: BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.
