When it comes to online activity, kids tend to gravitate towards a variety of games and online media including videos, pictures, TV shows, etc. Although this can be fun and engaging for kids, it can also be dangerous depending on how your child interacts with the Internet. We’ve compiled a small list of things to consider when your child is playing games online or using a digital device.
Be wary of in-app purchases:
While a game might be free to download, there are several ways the app could end up charging you for a variety of features as one starts to play the game. Before downloading a game, be sure to read the description of the game where “in-app purchases” and other features should be listed. If you have a child who doesn’t understand this concept, it might be easier to download a game with no money needed at all or turn in-app purchases off in the settings of your device. In-app purchases can pop up and become very tempting to children who have no education on money or what these purchases mean. This is another reason why you should always make sure your credit card is not on file to complete transactions that you are not aware of.
According to Kevin Haley, Director of STAR Product Management at Symantec Corporation, one of the biggest cyber threats in 2019 has been formjacking. “It grabs credit card and identify information when you fill out a webform. It’s almost impossible for a victim to detect without good security software” said Haley. Keep this in mind as you move forward with downloading kids games and any other forms of media they have come into contact with online.
Provide a safe home Wi-Fi network:
We wouldn’t be able to even access online games if it wasn’t for the Internet, which all leads back to your Wi-Fi network. Not only do we want to keep this network strong, but safe as well. One of the beginning steps is to download antivirus software to help arm your Internet connection and keep you and your family safe from any potential cyber threats. Implementing this software will help protect you from malware, spyware, phishing, and even provide browser protection. This should be one of the first steps you take to make your digital experience a much safer one.
Avoid using personal information in online profiles:
This tip is a no-brainer but one that is especially important for children who might be on their own playing digital games. Oftentimes, user credentials are needed for online games. This usually includes a username and password. If a username is visible to other players in the game, be sure to advise your child to not use any of their personal information. For example: “ben_smith” is a poor choice for a username as others can now find out more information about Ben Smith and who he is. Using a username like “spiderman_275” is a better choice as the name is vague and only related to a fictional character. If there is an option to bypass having to make a profile, that is obviously the best option for parents looking to keep their kids safe from any online harm.
It’s also important to stay up to date on what features are a part of the games your child plays. Is there a chat feature that is not filtered for kids? Does the game allow a community voice chat room?. If so, disable those features to ensure your child will have a safe experience while playing the game. Other players might be allowed to speak freely and even worse – bully or prey on other gamers in negative, inappropriate or harmful ways.
Don’t open or download suspicious apps/links:
As stated earlier, do proper research on any apps you plan on downloading and be sure to teach your kids to do the same. Sometimes web browsers show suspicious ads and links to other websites that might contain spam material. Phishing is a common link scam that can affect children who might be naive enough to click the link. This applies to chat and discussion boards as well. You never know who might be lurking on the other side of your computer screen so always be cautious when coming into contact with a suspicious link sent by a suspicious person that you or your child does not know.
Try to implement these tips into your day to day routine to help you and your kids live a safer online life. Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your child about the dangers of the Internet and what they can do to be smart and play safe.
Source: Alliance for Safe Kids