Even though they’re digital natives, research shows younger generations are at a high risk of falling victim to cybercrimes—so it’s important to teach kids and teens about safe internet usage and online gaming from a young age. How do parents, teachers, and other concerned adults get kids to care about cybersecurity and data privacy? While it’s not the most thrilling lesson, it’s a necessary one. Here are a few ways you can get your child or teenager to care about cybersecurity:
For younger children
Engage kids with activities
Interactive activities are a great way to introduce cybersecurity concepts to younger kids. Here are some engaging ideas:
- Interactive lessons and simulations: Check out online lessons and simulations that teach cybersecurity concepts to children. These interactive tools can make lessons on password security, phishing, handling cyberbullying, malware detection, and other topics enjoyable and memorable. One great resource is the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing. You can select age-appropriate games based on grade level, and it’ll help students learn all about cyber safety and digital citizenship.
- Gamify security: Try turning your cybersecurity lesson into a game. For example, your younger child might be more engaged by pretending they’re a top-secret agent. Who can create the longest, strongest password and store it safely? Use biometrics for next-level, personalized multi-factor authentication like you see on TV. Back up your digital art and stories onto a hard drive and store it in a safe place in the house. With a little imagination, security can become cinematic.
- Hands-on projects: Encourage kids to participate in hands-on projects related to cybersecurity. How can they change security settings? What are the signs of a phishing message? What should they do if they find a strange USB drive?
For teenagers
Have open and honest conversations
Once your children are older, it’s time to have a frank approach to internet safety and encourage communication. Here are some discussions you should have with your teens on internet usage:
- Establish guidelines: Create an online safety plan together and establish clear guidelines. For example, you can set boundaries on what sites are approved and what isn’t, as well as teach them to treat people they meet online as strangers—even if they’ve chatted for a long time.
- Be aware of risks: Ensure your teen is aware of the risks of using the internet, like cyberbullying, online predators, identity thieves, and inappropriate content.
- Protect personal information: Teach your teenager not to share personal information, like their full name, address, phone number, or Social Security number online. Show them how to use privacy and security settings on social media apps to control who can see their posts.
Empower kids to take security into their own hands
Beyond just teaching concepts, you can empower children and teens to actively participate in their online safety. Here are ways to foster empowerment:
- Be proactive with Core 4: The “Core 4” concepts are a great place to start on a cybersecurity journey for people of any age: strong passwords, MFA, keeping software and apps updated, and learning to identify phishing.
- Open communication: Create an environment of open communication where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and any concerns they may have. You want them to come to you if they encounter troubling content. Encourage them to ask questions about using the web. Provide guidance and support as needed.
- Responsibility and advocacy: Instill a sense of responsibility regarding cybersecurity. Emphasize that cybersecurity is not just about personal safety but also about being a responsible digital citizen. Encourage kids to advocate for cybersecurity awareness among their peers and within their communities.
Kids can stay safe online
You don’t have to be a parent to help kids and teens use the internet securely. Together, we as a society can get them to care about cybersecurity and take an active role. Staying safe online isn’t just a computer skill—it’s also a life skill. Teaching these skills early enhances online safety and cultivates a mindset of awareness and proactive behavior in the digital world that allows us to create a more secure online environment for future generations.
