How to teach children about cybersecurity

Cybersafety education for children is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. With more than three billion children expected to have access to the internet by 2025, it is crucial that they can navigate digital environments safely.

Teaching digital literacy can start as early as kindergarten, promoting responsible online citizenship and empowering children. Before starting the process, parents should be aware of the risks in today’s online world. They include a wide range of threats, from cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content to the dangers of online predators. The advent of global gaming and AI only makes these dangers more acute.

Understanding the risks

According to Javelin Strategy and Research, approximately 1.7 million children were victims of data breaches in 2022. Because human error is responsible for many of these cybersecurity incidents, it is critical to educate children about potential dangers.

Engage your child in conversations about real-life scenarios, such as the risks associated with sharing personal information online or clicking on suspicious links. It’s possible that posts shared by their friends seeking information such as school mascots, hometowns or favorite bands were created by “bad actors” using fake accounts to gather information, said Anna Ganse, a cybersecurity engineer.

“This type of information not only provides clues to a challenge/answer question or weak passwords, but can also help a stranger befriend your child by pretending to share a common interest or friend,” Ganse said. “The bottom line is, if something is forwarded on social media that asks you to share personal information, don’t do it.”

By identifying red flags, children can avoid falling victim to scams. Gamified activities can make lessons interactive and engaging. For example, you can turn spotting phishing emails into a scavenger hunt or organize a ‘password showdown’ to see who can create the most secure login.

Maintain strong password hygiene

One of the cornerstones of online security is strong passwords. Password managers simplify the process, allowing kids to create and save complex passwords without remembering them.

Update passwords regularly, avoid easy-to-guess information like birthdays, and enable two-factor authentication. Provide practical examples to illustrate how these practices protect their accounts. For example, if a child’s password is “fluffy123,” show him/her how effortless it would be for a hacker to guess it. Then show how a password manager can generate a more secure alternative, such as ‘Xj2!Qm8$’, which is significantly harder to crack.

“When they pass a note in class, they fold it over so no one else can see it,” Ganse says. “Teach them to treat their online presence with the same care.”

Navigate social media safely

Because social media plays a central role in many children’s lives, it is essential to educate them about its risks. Guide them in setting strict privacy controls and encourage critical thinking before accepting friend requests or sharing personal information. Emphasize that even a seemingly innocent message can be malicious.

Discuss the lasting impact of online messages and remember that digital footprints are forever. Introduce the mantra “Think before you click” to get into the habit of assessing the credibility of content before engaging with it. Balance safety lessons with examples of kids using social media platforms for positive change, such as online activism, to illustrate the power of responsible connectivity.

Establish open communication

Parents should cultivate open dialogue about online experiences to create a safe environment where children feel comfortable discussing digital interactions. They need to know that they can confide in you without fear of punishment. Emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious behavior to a trusted adult. Ask hypothetical scenarios: “If a stranger messaged you asking to meet up, what would you do?” Let your children know that you are always available to help deal with difficult situations. Regular discussions about privacy, security, and online ethics help integrate these lessons.

Cybersecurity author Deb Radcliffe noted, “Education is a two-way street. Start learning what your kids are doing online through open discussions rather than spyware. Keep communication open and share personal, relatable experiences and lessons with them. get in trouble, cultivate a safe space to share with you or their teachers or even the police if push comes to shove – a place where they feel safe to talk without judgment or retaliation.

Using learning resources

Numerous organizations offer resources to teach cybersecurity principles. For example, Savvy Cyber ​​Kids offers free materials suitable for all ages. For younger audiences, engaging books like “The Savvy Cyber ​​Kids at Home” introduce safety concepts. They use platforms such as online workshops and interactive games to make learning fun and effective.

1. To collaborate with your child’s school to advocate for a comprehensive online safety curriculum.
2. Providing consistent reporting from both school and home reinforces the lessons.
3. Look for learning moments in everyday life: for example, walk through the privacy settings together when setting up a new device.

Experiential learning helps reinforce good habits. Radcliffe recommends lesson planning by age group at commonsense.org.

Implement device security measures

Protect your child’s devices by updating them with the latest software and security patches. Install reputable antivirus software and enable parental controls. However, don’t rely solely on technological solutions. Educate your child about safe browsing, such as checking for HTTPS before entering sensitive information and avoiding suspicious links.

Check installed apps together regularly to ensure they are safe and age-appropriate. Frame it as a joint conservation activity rather than an invasion of privacy. Frank communication about device use builds trust and keeps the dialogue open.

Start the conversation early and help your kids claim their capes as the cyber-smart citizens our interconnected world needs.