Cyber Security expert Neil Rerup said, “true Cyber security is preparing for what’s next, not what was last”. This holds true for all of us, but especially for our children, now more than ever. Online was always a threat for children but with the lockdown and Covid situation, the educators, students, Pornographic materials, criminals, fraudsters, paedophiles and sexual exploiters are all on the same platform and it doesn’t take much to cross paths.
While we knew the dangers of internet, till now, we had the comfort of knowing that the children were at school under the watchful eyes of their teachers and other instructors. We did not have to worry about their screen time as they were regulated at school and we only had to regulate once they were home. Now the situation has changed. With the parents also working, albeit from the same house, it becomes difficult to control what the kids are watching or doing online even when their school goes on through one Tab.
What are some of the dangers that are out there on the online world? Some of them are
- Exposure to porn (accidental or deliberate)
- Bullying
- Grooming by sexual predators
- Paedophiles
- Identity theft
If we are not careful and if we do not take the required precautions, the chances of our children falling prey to one of these is really high.
Cybersecurity is not something that is desirable to have, it is a MUST HAVE. Every parent must come to terms with the dangers online and get educated and implement steps as well as software (if required) to ensure that their children are safe online.
The Insightful Parent’s module on Cyber Security focuses on:
– What is cyber security and why is it important
– Basic online etiquettes and best practices to prevent children reaching unwanted website by accident
– What kind of protection is required at what level
– Understanding how grooming happens and learn how to identify it happening and steps to prevent it
– How to prevent Identity thefts
