Technology » Cybersecurity & Online Safety Resources For Parents

Cybersecurity & Online Safety Resources For Parents

Parent involvement is crucial in creating a safe online environment for children.  Open communication about online activities, setting clear expectations for technology use, and actively engaging in discussions about digital citizenship are essential.  By working together, parents and educators can empower children to navigate the digital world responsibly and securely, minimizing risks and maximizing the positive opportunities that technology offers.  Active parental engagement helps children develop critical thinking skills related to online content, encourages healthy online habits, and provides a support system when they encounter challenges or have questions about their online experiences.
 
Cybersecurity Basics for Families:
Maintain Strong Password Practices:
  • Protecting your online accounts starts with strong passwords.  
  • Create passwords that are long (at least 12 characters is recommended), complex (a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols), and unique – use different passwords for each of your online accounts.  
  • Never share your passwords with anyone, even friends or family.  
  • A password manager can help you generate and securely store complex passwords, so you don't have to remember them all.  
Avoid Phishing & Scams:
  • Phishing is a deceptive attempt to obtain your sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, often by disguising as a trustworthy entity.  
  • Phishing attempts often come in the form of suspicious emails, text messages, or links that may look legitimate but are designed to trick you.  
  • Be wary of emails with urgent or threatening language, requests for personal information, or unexpected attachments.  
  • Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages; instead, type the website address directly into your browser.  
Stay Up-To-Date with Software Updates
  • Updates often include important security patches that protect against vulnerabilities and malware.  Outdated software can leave your devices and data at risk.  
  • On computers (Windows or macOS), updates are usually found in the system settings or preferences.  
  • For smartphones and tablets (Android or iOS), you can typically update apps through the app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and the device's operating system through the settings menu, often under "Software Update" or "System Update."  
  • Regularly checking for and installing updates is a simple but effective way to enhance your digital security.
Practice Device Security
  • Install reputable antivirus software on your computers and devices to defend against malware and other threats.
  • Always lock your devices with a strong password, PIN, or biometric lock when not in use, even for short periods, to prevent unauthorized access.  
  • For families with children, setting up parental controls on devices and online accounts is highly recommended. Parental controls can help manage screen time, filter content, and restrict access to inappropriate apps or websites, creating a safer digital environment for children.
 
 
Find resources and materials below to help you start the discussion with your kids or students:
- Learn how to avoid scams, protect your identity, and secure your computer with tips from the Federal Trade Commission's "Protect Kids Online" website linked here.
- This resource can help educators and parents discuss internet safety topics such as cyberbullying, social media use, and smartphone safety, linked here
- Find tips on how to be a good online parent using this resource from the Family Online Safety Institute linked here. 
- Protect yourself and your family from online fraud with tips from Fraud.org, a project of the National Consumers League