Cybersecurity recommendations for parents
As a parent, you need to protect the digital life of your child in addition to your own accounts and devices. Just as you teach children how to navigate traffic safely or use money, you also need to teach them how to use their smart devices and the internet securely.
For children to be able to use the internet securely on their own, they should be aware of the dangers of using smart devices and be able to discuss these topics safely with an adult.
Aspects we encourage parents to consider:
- It is important to communicate with your child – no smart device can replace a close relationship with your parent.
- Excessive screen time is bad for the development of a child’s brain and can pose a risk to their physical and mental health.
- Rules of courtesy apply online as well. Care must be taken so that the child does not become a victim of cyber bullying or turn into a cyber bully.
- Be a role model for your child when talking/texting about other people, when posting photos on social media (respect the privacy of your child!), and when keeping devices and accounts secure.
- The internet is a public space and it is impossible to delete an image, a video, or a comment that has gone viral. Teach your child to be critical about what they share and with whom on social media. For example, discuss with your child whether they would share pictures they posted online with their grandmother or the school principal.
- On the internet, a child may be exposed to inappropriate content and ill-intentioned strangers. It is worth explaining to your child that photos and texts found on the internet may not be real, but the product of someone’s imagination. Internet acquaintances may also be far from who they say they are (for example, a malicious adult may pose as a 13-year-old girl).
- Explain to your child that the internet is full of scams and help them recognise scams when they encounter them. Sweepstakes and offers that are too good to be true are likely to be scams, attempting to cheat you out of data and money. It is also worth being careful with links and attachments that are forwarded.
- Be empathetic – take an interest in what your child is doing on their device and play or surf the internet with them to find out what interests them and warn them of potential risks. Take an interest in which apps your child is using and explain the risks if necessary.
- Create a safe environment for your child so that they would feel like they can come and talk to you if something has happened to them or a friend, or if they just want to discuss something. This way, you can be there to support them in the complex digital world.
- Agree on and set realistic rules – how much and when your child can use the device, which websites they can visit, and what they can do there.
- Make sure your child’s device has a screen lock on it and that it is properly updated. In addition, teach your child how to create a proper secure password for their accounts and explain that the same password should not be used for different accounts or shared with others.
You can find more information and specific guides in materials and environments specifically dedicated to the digital world of children.
The Targalt internetis portal
A portal managed by the Estonian Union for Child Welfare, which offers guides for younger children, teenagers, and parents.
