The internet is an awesome place to learn, play, and connect with friends. But just like in the real world, there are some rules you need to follow to stay safe. That’s where cybersecurity comes in!

Recently, a close friend asked for my help in teaching her 10-year-old son about staying safe online. As he starts exploring the internet and playing games with voice chat tools like Discord, it’s clear how important it is to build good habits early. That’s what inspired me to write this post – to share some simple, practical tips for kids and parents to work together on cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity might sound complicated, but it’s really just a fancy word for learning how to protect yourself and your information online. This guide is here to help you become a Cyber Hero – someone who knows how to stay safe and have fun on the internet. And guess what? Your parents are here to be your teammates!

The internet allows us to play games with friends and have heaps of fun! But just like crossing the street safely by looking left and right, it’s important to follow some simple steps to stay safe online. If you take the right precautions, you can ensure you’re protected while enjoying your digital adventures.

Let’s get into it and learn how you and your family can work together to make sure your online adventures are as safe as possible.

Teamwork is Important, Really!

Staying safe online isn’t something you have to do alone. It’s really important to talk openly with your parents about what you’re doing online, just like you’d tell them about a fun game or something that happened at school. Here’s why teamwork makes a big difference:

• Parents Can Help You Spot Danger: They might see things you don’t, like a fake website or a sneaky scam.
• You Can Share Your Cool Online Adventures: Telling your parents about the games you play or the friends you make online keeps them in the loop.
• You’ll Feel Safer Asking for Help: If something online feels weird or wrong, you’ll already know your parents are there to help.

Tip for Parents: Set aside time to chat with your kids about their online activities. Ask them what they’ve been up to online, and make it a fun, judgment-free zone to share.

Becoming a Cyber Hero

Now it’s time to put on your Cyber Hero cape and learn some key rules to keep you safe online.

1. Don’t Share Personal Information

Think of personal info like treasure. You wouldn’t give treasure to strangers, right? Here’s what to keep private:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Your school’s name
• Your passwords

2. Create Super-Strong Passwords

A strong password is like a super shield that keeps bad guys out of your accounts. Here’s a fun and easy formula you can use to create your own super-strong password:

• Pick a Colour: Green
• Add an Object: Rocket
• Throw in a Symbol: #
• Add a Number: 88
• Use a Capital Letter somewhere: G
  
  So your password could be something like: GreenRocket#88. Cool, right?

Password Tips for Kids and Parents:

• Make your passwords unique for every account.
• Avoid using obvious choices like “password” or “1234.”
• Change your passwords regularly, just like you’d replace old sneakers!

A strong password is like a super shield that keeps bad guys out of your accounts.

3. Use a Password Manager

Password managers are like treasure chests for all your strong passwords. They keep everything safe and locked away, so you don’t have to remember every single password.

One great option is Bitwarden, which is easy to use and works on phones, tablets, and computers. Parents can create an account specifically for their child without needing to purchase the family plan. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Parents Set It Up: Create a free account for your child and monitor it to ensure passwords are stored securely.
• Teach Kids How to Use It: Show them how to save passwords and retrieve them when logging in.
• Encourage Habit-Building: Help kids get used to storing every new password in the manager.

Cyber Hero Exercise: Setting Up a Password Manager

Parents, let’s make this fun and easy! Follow these steps:

1. Visit Bitwarden and sign up for a free account for your child.
2. Sit down together and create a strong password for one of their accounts (use the Colour + Object + Symbol + Number formula).
3. Save this password in Bitwarden and show them how to access it when needed.
   
   This exercise not only sets up a valuable tool but also helps your child start building lifelong cybersecurity habits!

Using a password manager ensures your child’s accounts stay secure while teaching them a valuable cybersecurity habit.

4. Review Privacy Settings in Apps and Games

Apps and games often include settings to protect your information. These settings can be a powerful tool, and reviewing them together with your parents is a great way to stay safe. Here’s what you can do:

• Turn Off Location Sharing: This prevents apps from sharing your location with others, which is often unnecessary for games.
• Limit Profile Visibility: Choose options that let only friends or approved contacts see your profile or send you messages.
• Review Friend Requests: Stick to connecting with people you know in real life.
• Check Chat Settings: Some apps allow you to restrict who can contact you or message you.
• Explore Blocking and Reporting Features: Make sure you and your parents know how to block or report someone if needed.

Tip for Parents: Instead of restricting games or apps outright, work together to adjust settings that prioritise safety without disrupting gameplay. This ensures kids feel supported rather than restricted, encouraging open communication about any issues they might encounter.

Final Thoughts

Staying safe online is a team effort. By working together with your parents, you can enjoy the internet, play your favourite games, and connect with friends without worry. Remember to:

• Share your online experiences with your parents.
• Follow the key steps to protect your information and accounts.
• Always ask for help if something doesn’t feel right.

Being a Cyber Hero is about building smart habits and staying confident online. Let’s work together to make the internet a safe and fun place for everyone!