Keeping kids safe online

Keeping kids safe online

Social media is a great place for everyone to connect, share and learn. However, it can also give way to cyber bullying, loss of privacy, viruses and malware. Sadly, it can also attract predators.

For Parents:

Start the Conversation:

Get involved. Start educating early and often. Be aware of what kids do online and talk about online safety. Here are some important topics to discuss:
Online risks and consequences. Be open about the dangers of being online. Let your kids know that they can go to you or their teachers if they view something that makes them uncomfortable.
What goes online, stays online. Posts and pictures can be copied and shared. Think before sharing or posting something. Never share or post information about other people without their permission.
Encourage kids to keep their accounts private and only connect with people they know in person.

Educate kids about cyberbullying. Tell them what it means and how it happens. Let them know how they can help and why it’s important to tell a trusted adult know about it.

Be Proactive:

Set boundaries and rules. Set expectations and show good online behaviour, including screen time.
Look up social media apps that your kids may use. Understand how they work and what your kids might be doing online.
Turn off geotagging. Let your kids know that posting geotagged photos can expose their exact locations to strangers.

For additional tips on keeping kids safe online, check out the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.