NCSAM: Week One – Social Networking

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Week One: Social Networking – Parents & Kids

Social networking is no longer a new phenomenon. While previous generations often became members of social networks as an adult, the upcoming generation will be joining these sites while in elementary, middle or high school – if not earlier. Take a moment and think back to your thought process at that age.

As a result of this growth, it is important to stay on top of social networking sites, the activities on those sites and their security and privacy settings. We’ve compiled tips and links to additional resources to help keep your kids safe when they participate in social networks.

According to stopthinkconnect.org, most of us realize the importance of being secure online. Research shows 96% feel personally responsible to be safer and more secure online. When asked why they are not doing everything they can to remain safe online, 28% responded they lacked knowledge or information. To coincide with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve provided information and knowledge necessary to be safer and more secure online.

Whether your child wants to join Snapchat, Facebook or Club Penguin, here are seven tips to help your child use social media appropriately (courtesy of parenting.com):

• Immerse yourself. Know how to create a profile, “friend” your child and be a part of his online life. He may insist you don’t embarrass him by posting comments his friends can see, but that’s okay. You still get a window into his world.
• Be a model. If you’re constantly on the cell or computer, your tween will want to be, too.
• Power down. Insist meals be device-free and set a reasonable bedtime.
• Chat him up. Don’t rely solely on a “net nanny” software program to keep your child from questionable sites. Talk about your and his social media experiences.
• Go public. Keep the computer centrally located in the family room or kitchen.
• Be kind. Discourage bullying, gossiping and posting anything that’s untrue or potentially harmful.
• Take action. For more information check out Cybersafe.

We’ve listed additional online safety resources below.

Originally posted by FishNet Security