Survival rules for grown-ups: how to protect your child online
This is reported by Channel 24
Today’s children are convinced they know everything about gadgets, but their overconfidence is a gift to cybercriminals. Most teenagers use the same passwords everywhere, making their accounts an open door to hacking. You can’t block the internet, but you can teach your child not to fall for manipulation.
The three pillars of digital security:
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Privacy is a weapon. Teach your child that any photo or message online can be used against them. A private profile on social media and not sharing your home address or location are the basics.
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Technical arsenal. Forget about complex passwords in your head. Set up a password manager and two-factor authentication (2FA) for your child. This is the only real way to protect an account, even if the login details have been compromised.
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Critical thinking versus AI. In the age of neural networks, even a video call from a ‘friend’ could be a fake. Your child must know: never give money or personal details to anyone online, no matter who asks for it.
The golden rule: social media is ‘digital fast food’. It provides a quick dopamine hit, but it shouldn’t replace real life. The best protection is when a child isn’t afraid to come to you for help, knowing that instead of being shouted at, they’ll receive support.
