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Cybersecurity for Kids

 

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The Pike County Sheriff's Office wants to remind you that just like in real life, crimes occur online.

Children online present additional challenges because of their innocence, curiosity, and desire for independence. Common dangers encountered by children online are cyber predators, bullies, and identity theft.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has the following tips for parents on keeping their child safe online:

  • Be involved - supervise your child's online activities while teaching them good computer habits (consider online activities you can work on together).
  • Consider implementing parental controls - restrict or allow certain websites to be viewed on your computer using a password (you can set some parental controls within your browser).
  • Keep lines of communication open - let your child know they can approach you with any questions or concerns about behaviors or problems they may have encountered online.
  • Keep your computer in an open area - easily monitor your child's computer activity in a high-traffic area.
  • Monitor computer activity - be aware of what your child is doing on online (which websites they are visiting, who/what they are emailing, etc.).
  • Set rules and warn about dangers - ensure your child is aware of the boundaries of what they are allowed to do on the computer (boundaries should be appropriate for the child's age, knowledge, and maturity).

For more information on how to keep your child safe online, please visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has the following tips for kids on how to stay safe online:

  • Keep your personal information private - avoid sharing your name, address, telephone number, birthday, passwords, and the name of your school when online.
  • Keep it locked - always lock your device when you are not using it.
  • Choose alternative screen names or email addresses - use a screen name or email address that isn't your real name (instead of "Jack Smith", use "Sk8boardKing75")
  • Create strong passwords - include eight characters or more that use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols when creating passwords. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts, and never share your passwords with someone other than your parent or guardian.
  • Speak up if you see something inappropriate - don't ignore inappropriate online content, tell an adult you trust.
  • Think before you click - don't open emails from strangers and don't click on links for unfamiliar websites.

For more information on staying safe online, please view the Kids Cybersecurity Presentation from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Thank you for making our community a safer place to live and raise a family,

Sheriff Russell Thomas