Cyberchat #6
Dear Friend,
Just when it seems like the kids have finished school for the year, they’re going back. As we embark on the 2024/2025 school year, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has subscribed to CyberChat. My own daughter is 13 and will be entering the 8th grade in a matter of days, so I’m aware of how challenging and tricky it has been to navigate internet safety when our children seem to have so much time on their hands. This month’s issue reviews the topics we first covered and introduces you to our blog format, which archives all the previous CyberChats. It is my extreme pleasure and privilege to continue educating our students and their families on the crucial subject of online safety. I hope you all had a great summer break and welcome back to school!
Wendy Waddell
SafetyNet® Program Manager
Our Top Three Privacy Setting Tips
Has a child in your life recently acquired a new device? Here are three tips on privacy settings to help protect your kids from online dangers:
- Keep Things Private
- Choose Strong Passwords
- Check App Permissions
Always talk openly with your child about being safe online and let them know they can come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about something. Read the full blog post here.
Combatting Hackers and Scammers
These cybercriminals have the same goal: to steal your identity and/or gain access to your money. Our goal is to provide knowledge and resources that will better prepare us all to identify and combat these online security threats.
Read the full blog post here for some pro tips to protect yourself from these attacks.
Staying Safe on Social Media
Did you know there is an age minimum for creating a social media account? There is a legal reason for this. If a child under 13 years of age falsely reports their age and creates a social media account, they are not protected by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA makes it illegal for operators of websites or online services to collect personal information from a child under 13 years of age. According to this survey, in 2022, 68 percent of preteens were using social media applications.
Click the logos below to learn more!
Videogames and Safety
According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 90% of children over two years of age play video games, and children aged 8 to 17 spend an average of 1.5 to 2 hours daily playing video games. This fun and interactive activity is not without its dangers. While eliminating video games may not be the answer, considering what content is appropriate for your child and minimizing their access to strangers is a good start.
Read the full blog post here.
SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® is a collaborative program of the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SD-ICAC) and the San Diego Police Foundation. It is designed to help kids, parents, educators, and concerned adults learn how to keep kids safe online.