By michael vivar
In 1966, the United States military offshoot, Defense Advance Research Projects Agency commissioned several universities to develop a computer communications network. ARPANET was created and it evolved to become the internet.
The 1980s and 1990s brought bulletin board services and eventually user-friendly interfaces such as America Online. These offered minimally moderated outlets where people of all ages met and made friends.
The prevalence of inexpensive tablets and mobile phones have put screens in the hands of children as a casual distraction. This is akin to not minding a child crossing the street. Follow these tips for keeping children safe on the internet.
Make sure all devices have adblockers and anti-virus software. Flashing images that pop up are irresistible to kids. Clicking on ads can leave computers and phones vulnerable to malware.
Phishing emails and texts look like material that would be organically interesting to children. Never respond to correspondence or follow links that are unsolicited.
There are predators in every corner of the internet and children can be their most vulnerable prey. Parents should always be comfortable with asking their kids about the people with whom they interact online.
Information security isn't limited to credit card and social security numbers. When it comes to children, it's crucial for them to never disclose where they go to school or their daily routines.
Educate children about choosing strong passwords. Familiar phrases like the street name of their house or their phone number are not recommended. Artificial intelligence tools can brute force crack obvious login information.
Children are impressionable to misinformation. Parents need to have a dialogue with their kids about the content consumed on a regular basis. Being misled for a moment can affect an outlook for a lifetime.
Anonymity combined with a disregard for feelings on the internet can lead to cyberbullying. Ask children, "Would I ever say or do something to a person on the internet IRL?"
"When it comes to privacy and accountability, people always demand the former for themselves and the latter for everyone else." - David Brin, science fiction author
Internet safety advice isn't just for children. Adults should also heed best security practices when going online.