The new generations of kids are often referred to as digital natives. That’s because they have been surrounded by digital technology from day one, and they’ve never known a world where things like smartphones, tablets, and the internet didn’t exist. Many start interacting with these technologies and their various applications from a very young age, which means that apart from all the usual concerns regarding education and protection, parents these days have one more thing to worry about: their kids’ online safety.
Despite all the benefits it provides, the internet can also be a very dangerous space – one that even grown-ups sometimes struggle to navigate safely, let alone children who are much more naïve and lack the ability to spot potential threats and avoid them. But since the internet has become deeply embedded in our daily lives and one can’t keep children off it forever, it’s your responsibility as a parent to ensure your kids have a good level of digital literacy and can keep themselves safe when they go online.
Wait until they’re ready
Just because your little one is a quick learner and seems to know their way around gadgets and apps, swiping and scrolling with the deftness of an adult, doesn’t mean they’re ready to start exploring the online landscape – at least not without supervision. Don’t mistake practical skills and technical know-how with awareness and alertness. They may be able to operate a computer or a smartphone, but they may also be completely oblivious to the threats that hide behind screens, or lack the capacity to fully comprehend what cybersecurity entails and how to apply it in real-life scenarios.
So, you need to make sure your kid is old enough before you introduce them to the online space – and all the dangers it contains. Children have their whole life ahead of them to watch cat videos, play video games, or simply waste time mindlessly scrolling on the internet, so there’s really no necessity to rush the process. Let them spend more time in the real world before the virtual one grabs their attention.
Explain the risks (and solutions) clearly
Introducing kids to cybersecurity and other related aspects that they’ve probably never heard of, can be quite intimidating, not just for them but for you as well. It’s definitely not easy to explain concepts like data breaches or online predators in a language that they are able to comprehend, and without confusing or scaring them.
It’s important to only address topics that are adequate for their age and level of understanding, and avoid using jargon or specialized terms that can sound like a foreign language to them. Start with notions that are less complicated and easier to explain, like the necessity of using an antivirus or a password manager to keep their data safe, and then work your way up toward more complicated topics.
Use adequate educational resources
Fortunately, you don’t have to do all the explaining and teaching by yourself. You’ll find lots of great tools and educational resources on cybersecurity designed specifically for children, which can make the learning process much easier for both you and your kid.
From books that introduce smaller children to the digital realm and basic cybersecurity concepts in a playful way, to online lessons or educational platforms for older children, or even dedicated YouTube channels and videos, you have plenty of options to choose from. These resources use the most effective methods to teach your children about cybersecurity principles in a structured and engaging manner, ensuring the best results.
Make it entertaining
As with all types of lessons, kids will quickly lose interest and stop paying attention if they find the information you’re sharing too boring. And let’s be honest, cybersecurity is not the most entertaining topic. So, how about trying to make cybersecurity education feel less like a lesson or a chore and more like an exciting activity?
It’s easier for children to retain information and stay motivated when they have fun, which makes play-based learning much more effective than other techniques. Instead of giving your kid long lectures about the importance of online safety and trying to explain abstract ideas with words alone, turn everything into a game that encourages active exploration and allows them to learn by doing. For example, they can
Practice what you preach
Children copy what they see around them, particularly their parents’ actions, so if you want your kids to behave responsibly and embrace good cybersecurity habits, you should do that yourself. Leading by example is one of the most effective educational methods, and you don’t even have to do anything special. It’s enough to set a positive example, and your kids will mirror what you do. Being a role model also means you need to have a good grasp of cybersecurity principles and know how to put them into practice in your daily routine.
Furthermore, you should encourage kids to come to you and ask for help if they’re not sure about what they need to do or if something looks suspicious. Some kids may feel reluctant to talk to an adult when they feel like they’ve done something wrong, so reassure them you’ll always have their back, no matter what happens.
Take it slowly
Don’t expect children to learn everything in a couple of days. After all, they’re not learning about cybersecurity to pass an exam, but to ensure safe online experiences and become responsible internet users. Besides, cybersecurity education is an ongoing process, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and risks to users. You need to go over the basics regularly, address new topics, and set updated rules as your child’s online experiences expand and they begin using new apps and platforms. Patience and perseverance are key when teaching cybersecurity fundamentals to children.
It’s daunting to think of all the risks and dangers that children are exposed to when stepping into the online world. You can’t always be there to protect your kids from these threats, but you can help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves by prioritizing cybersecurity education from an early age.