Mila Joshua Yona
Have you ever heard of people getting locked out of their social media accounts? Or have you ever heard of Online Predators? These are all related cases of cyber-crimes.
But many people are still ignorant about how someone can just do that.
Ever since the epidemic pushing for global lockdown, many schools have upgraded to online learning, making children more focused on their gadgets for entertainment and online learning everywhere.
While the internet can unveil opportunities for the children in this era like never before with the previous generations, it can also pose a serious threat.
Spending more time on virtual platforms leaves children vulnerable to online sexual exploitation and many other threats. It’s a harsh reality.
Here are some threats to watch out on:
1. Cyber Bully
Although cyberbullying can happen to anyone, children are more fragile. They are unable to detect these cyberbullies until it’s too late.
It’s a form of bully or harassment that occurs online. It’s common on electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets. It occurs through SMS, Text and apps, online social media forums, or gaming where people view, participate, and share content.
It can generally leave teenagers feeling devasted and insecure.
2. Posting Private data
Children in this generation find social media fun and may look at it as a platform where they can do whatever they want. In the process, they end up posting sensitive personal information about themselves.
This ranges from awkward images, personal moments, home addresses, or family vacations.
3. Downloading Malware Accidentally
Cybercriminals often trick children into downloading malware into their devices – they will convince them about a game or any software that may sound too good to be true and they will hastily want to download it.
In the process, they get access to their personal information and manipulate it to fit their intentions.
4. Phishing
This is what is termed the use of emails to trick people into clicking malicious links or attachments. It can be difficult for kids to detect because it will seem so legitimate, from a family member or a friend.
Phishing emails and smishing texts often pop up at any time just like when spear-phishing adults access corporate networks. These cybercriminals use these to keep watch on popular sites with children and acquire their email addresses, phone numbers, or friends’ details.
5. Scams and Posts that are reversed to haunt a child later in life.
Children are not yet cognizant of what they should wary and while this is not the only issue, an inappropriate picture uploaded online is difficult to be removed at later stages. This is definitely because once it’s gone public, anyone can download it and use it to serve their own purpose.
It’s difficult for a teenager to consider how a picture on Facebook or Instagram can cause any harm to 5yrs down the road.
Scams also manifest inform of prizes in exchange for something such as Parent’s Credit Card Information.
Here is what to do to keep your child’s online experience secure.
- You need to explain to your kids how their opinions and lifestyle are guaranteed to change over time. Internet posts stay forever and some of the posts can haunt them about 15 to 20yrs down the road. Therefore they should be conscious about what they upload.
- Educate your children about online privacy and the different forms the cyberbullies manifest. Trust me, it’s less likely that they will fall, victim, when such threats come.
- Install anti-virus software in all your children’s gadgets to reduce the likelihood of downloading malware. Also, make good use of parental controls or applications that allow you to monitor your child’s activities online.
- Ensure that the antivirus and software are up-to-date.
Summary!
Online privacy is a growing concern in today’s generation, especially for innocent teens. With these few tips am sure you borrowed a leaf. Argue with your keyboard!
