Beyond the Screen Essential Cybersecurity Awareness for Parents and Kids

Our community writer Matthias Muhlert wrote an article on awareness for partners with children that are online. The article here on Cyberhive highlights 2 sections on 'Inheriting Your Digital Footprint', and the 'Cybersecurity Education Gap'. To find the full article, go to the LinkedIn article included here, or download the document in the description. 

While social media can be a fun and informative space for kids, it's important to consider the bigger picture. Constant exposure can lead to issues like anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO), and body image struggles due to unrealistic portrayals and carefully curated online lives. Additionally, algorithms can create "echo chambers" where kids only see information that confirms their existing beliefs, limiting their exposure to diverse viewpoints. Fake news is also a growing concern, making it crucial for children to develop critical thinking skills to navigate the online world.

This article focuses on a different, but equally important, aspect of online safety: understanding and addressing the lesser known but significant risks that children face in the digital age. We'll explore five major areas that parents should be aware of (find the full document in the description above):

1. Inheriting Your Digital Footprint: Understanding how a parent's online activity can impact their child's future digital reputation and the importance of responsible social media use.
2. Connected Toys and the "Internet of Things": The privacy and security risks associated with internet-connected toys and practical steps for safeguarding these devices.
3. The "Oversharing" Generation: The consequences of sharing too much information about children online, the concept of digital consent, and how to protect their privacy.
4. The "Freemium" Trap and In-App Purchases: The financial dangers of "freemium" apps, how children can easily overspend, and strategies for managing in-app purchases.
5. Cybersecurity Education Gap: The need for continuous cybersecurity education to keep up with the evolving digital landscape and teaching children critical thinking skills for safe online navigation.

While we won't be diving deep into the previously mentioned challenges of anxiety, FOMO, body image issues, echo chambers, and fake news, understanding these additional aspects of online safety can help you create a more well-rounded approach to keeping your child safe online. By addressing these various facets, you can empower your child to have a positive and enriching digital experience.

Inheriting Your Digital Footprint for the Parents

The Digital Legacy: What Your Kids Inherit Online

Imagine leaving footprints in the sand at the beach—those marks show where you've been. Your digital footprint is similar, but it’s the trail you leave online. This includes everything from social media posts and photos to comments and search histories. What you might not realise is that your digital actions can affect your children’s future too.

Explanation of What a Digital Footprint Is

A digital footprint consists of all the data you create and leave behind on the internet. Every time you post a picture, comment on a video, or even just browse online, you add to your digital footprint. This information can be collected and used by various organisations, from social media platforms to advertisers. There are two types of digital footprints:

• Active Footprint: Data you intentionally share online, such as social media posts, tweets, and uploaded videos.
• Passive Footprint: Data collected without your knowledge, like websites tracking your visits or search engines recording your queries.

Both types of footprints can reveal a lot about your preferences, habits, and even personal information. This data is often harvested and commodified by corporations in a practice known as surveillance capitalism. Surveillance capitalism refers to the widespread collection and monetisation of personal data by companies, turning your digital actions into profitable insights and targeted advertising.

Illustration of How Parents’ Online Activities Can Affect Their Children's Future

Your online activities can shape your child's digital future in unexpected ways. For instance, the photos you post, the comments you make, and the personal information you share can all become part of your child's digital narrative. Consider these scenarios:

• Photos and Videos: Sharing pictures of your child’s milestones might seem innocent. However, these images can be accessed by strangers if your privacy settings are not secure. Furthermore, these pictures can resurface when your child is older, potentially causing embarrassment or affecting their social and professional life.
• Personal Information: Details like your child’s full name, birth date, and school can be misused by malicious entities. This information could be used for identity theft or targeted marketing.
• Parental Behaviour: Your own online behaviour sets a precedent for your child. If you frequently post without considering privacy, your child might adopt similar habits.

For example, a seemingly harmless post about a family vacation could reveal your child’s location to strangers. Similarly, a funny but potentially embarrassing video of your child might be shared beyond your intended audience, affecting their self-esteem and future opportunities.

Impact of Surveillance Capitalism and AI on Digital Footprints

The data collected through your digital footprint doesn't just stay with the social media platforms. It's often sold to third parties who use it to create detailed profiles for targeted advertising. This practice, known as surveillance capitalism, can have several implications:

• Behavioural Manipulation: Companies can use collected data to influence your and your child's behaviour by showing tailored advertisements and content.
• Privacy Invasion: The constant collection of data means that your private life is never truly private. Even seemingly harmless information can be pieced together to form a comprehensive profile.
• AI and Predictive Analytics: With the rise of artificial intelligence, companies can predict future behaviours based on your past online activities. This means they don't just know where you’ve been—they have a good idea of where you’re going. These predictive models can influence everything from the ads you see to the content recommended to you, subtly shaping your online experience.

Tips for Responsible Social Media Use and Browser Hygiene

Here are some practical steps to help manage your digital footprint responsibly and protect your child’s future:

• Use Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure that only trusted friends and family can see your posts. Platforms often change their settings, so staying informed is crucial.
• Be Mindful of Sharing: Before posting, consider whether the content could be embarrassing or harmful in the future. Avoid sharing personal details such as full names, addresses, and school information.
• Discuss with Your Kids: Engage in conversations with your children about what gets shared online. Explain the concept of a digital footprint and the importance of privacy. Encourage them to think before they post and to come to you with any concerns.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about what can and cannot be shared online. This includes setting limits on the types of photos and information that can be posted.
• Manage Cookies: Regularly clear cookies from your browser to reduce the amount of passive data collected about you. Most browsers have settings that allow you to control cookie behaviour, such as blocking third-party cookies.
• Use Browser Extensions: Consider using privacy-focused browser extensions that block trackers and enhance your online privacy.
• Regularly Update Software: Keep your browser and other software up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.

Engaging Elements:

• Interactive Quiz: Take a fun quiz together to learn about online privacy and how to protect your digital footprint. This can be a great way to start a conversation and make learning about online safety enjoyable.

Conclusion:

It's important to think about the long-term impact of your digital actions. By setting a positive example and involving your children in discussions about their online presence, you can help them build a safe and respectful digital legacy. Teaching your children about the importance of a digital footprint not only protects them now but also prepares them for a future where they can navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently. Understanding the implications of surveillance capitalism and AI is crucial in this process, as it underscores the need for vigilance and informed decisions in our online activities.

Cybersecurity Education Gap for Parents

Closing the Cybersecurity Education Gap: Keeping Kids Safe Online

The digital landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, with new apps, platforms, and online threats emerging regularly. Unfortunately, cybersecurity education often lags behind these advancements, leaving children vulnerable to various online risks. It's crucial for parents to understand the importance of ongoing cybersecurity education and to equip their children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely.

Discussion of How Quickly the Digital Landscape Changes and the Lag in Cybersecurity Education

The internet and technology are constantly changing. New social media platforms, gaming apps, and digital tools are introduced regularly, each with its own set of features and potential risks. However, the education system and many parental guidelines often struggle to keep up with these changes. This lag creates a cybersecurity education gap, where children are not adequately prepared to deal with new online threats.

The Bias of Growing Up with Technology

Just because children grow up with technology doesn’t mean they inherently understand it. There is a common bias that familiarity with technology equates to expertise in using it safely. However, knowing how to use a device or app is different from understanding the underlying risks and how to protect oneself. It’s essential for parents to recognise this bias and ensure their children receive proper cybersecurity education.

Highlight the Importance of Ongoing Conversations About Online Safety

To bridge this gap, ongoing conversations about online safety are essential. Here’s why continuous dialogue is important:

• Adaptation to New Threats: Regular discussions help children stay aware of new types of online threats, such as cyberbullying, phishing scams, and data breaches.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Teaching children to think critically about the information they encounter online helps them recognise suspicious activities and avoid potential dangers.
• Empowerment and Confidence: Knowledgeable children feel more confident in navigating the digital world and are more likely to make safe and informed decisions.

Cybersecurity Knowledge as a Building Block for Our Evolving Digital Society

Cybersecurity knowledge is not just about protecting personal information; it’s a fundamental building block for participating in our increasingly digital society. As more aspects of our lives move online, understanding how to stay safe and secure becomes crucial. Cybersecurity education helps children become responsible digital citizens who can contribute positively to the digital community.

Resources and Tips for Teaching Children Critical Thinking Skills for Navigating the Internet

Parents can use various resources and strategies to teach their children critical thinking skills for online safety:

• Educational Websites and Apps: Utilise websites and apps designed to teach children about cybersecurity in an engaging and interactive way. Examples include Common Sense Media and Cyberwise.
• Real-Life Scenarios: Discuss real-life examples of online threats and safe practices. This helps children understand the practical application of cybersecurity principles.
• Family Tech Talks: Schedule regular family tech talks where you discuss the latest apps and online trends, review safety rules, and answer any questions your children might have.
• Online Safety Games: Introduce games that teach cybersecurity concepts through fun and interactive experiences. Websites like "Be Internet Awesome" by Google provide games and activities that help children learn about online safety.

Encouragement for the Use of Educational Games and Activities to Make Learning About Cybersecurity Fun

Making cybersecurity education fun and engaging can significantly enhance learning outcomes. Here are some ways to make learning about online safety enjoyable:

• Interactive Games: Games like "Interland" from Google’s "Be Internet Awesome" program offer an engaging way for children to learn about internet safety.
• Cybersecurity Challenges: Create family challenges where children can earn rewards for identifying safe online practices or recognising phishing attempts.
• DIY Projects: Engage children in DIY projects like creating strong passwords or setting up privacy settings on social media accounts.

Conclusion:

The cybersecurity education gap poses a significant risk to children's online safety. By prioritising continuous learning and fostering ongoing conversations about online threats, parents can equip their children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. Encourage the use of educational games and resources to make learning about cybersecurity engaging and effective. Understanding that growing up with technology does not inherently mean understanding it, and recognizing cybersecurity knowledge as a building block for our evolving digital society, is crucial. By being proactive and engaged in your children's digital lives, you can help them build a secure and confident online presence.