Be Safe Online

Access to the internet is easy and convenient and brings with it opportunities for learning, entertainment and connecting with family and friends. But online access comes with risks as well.

It’s important for all internet users to know how to be safe online. Parents should talk to their children about potential threats like bullying, fraud, exploitation and how they can be safe online. Teach them to talk to a parent, teacher or trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable about anything they have seen online.

You can use built in parental controls on different devices. Most devices have restrictions and controls to protect privacy and safety.

Preventing Problems

You should teach your child how to use technology safely and set a good example on using mobile devices, blogs and social networking sites. A child should have a balance of both online with offline activities.

Get Involved

Explore the online games your child plays to see if they are appropriate for their age, and ask:

• Is the game moderated?
• Is there a chat component?
• Are pictures or avatars used?
• Does it contain sexual or violent material?

Closely supervise what they use their gaming system for and the features offered by the games they play. You should encourage games that offer the ability to block or restrict individuals who can play with your child, and allow you to mute other individuals from chatting with your child.

Email Safety

An unsolicited or junk email that’s not addressed to you and promising some benefit is likely spam. Usually a link in a spam email or fake website installs a virus on your device to capture personal information.

Phishing

Phishing tricks you into revealing personal or banking information. An email or message can look legitimate; however, organizations like banks or the government often do not request personal information by email.

You should contact the financial institution immediately and report your suspicions and never reply to an email that requests your personal information.

Tips on how to spot and avoid phishing scams:

• Be skeptical if an email asks you to update your information
• Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spyware filters, email filters and a firewall
• Look for misspelled words

You can report suspicious communication to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. When browsing, make sure that you use reputable sites and be careful when providing and personal information. You should also understand social media privacy and security settings to protect yourself and your family.

Resources

Cybertip

Cybertip has online reporting of child exploitation as well as guides about sexting, bullying, sexual abuse, and Internet safety. Please visit their website for more information on how to keep your children safe online. You can also report any concerns you might have.

Need Help Now

If you or someone you know has been negatively impacted by the sharing of an intimate or sexual image, or have been sexually victimized online, the Need Help Now website has tips and advice on what to do.

ProtectKidsOnline.ca

Protect Kids Online website provides education on online safety geared towards specific age groups.