What should your child know about cybersecurity?

1. personal information is confidential

The first rule a child should learn is not to share personal information on the internet. Phone number, address, school, full name, family photos - these are all information that should not be posted on social networks or shared with strangers. Explain to your child that personal information can be used by malicious people and can pose a threat to the safety of the whole family.

What to do?

• Teach your child not to share personal information with strangers or post it in public.
• Explain that it's safer to restrict access to a social media post to friends only, so that only people you know can see it.
• If someone online asks where they live or where they go to school, teach your child not to answer such questions.

2. using strong passwords

Often children use simple passwords or the same password for all accounts. Teach your child how to create strong passwords: long passwords made up of a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Explain that passwords should not be shared even with close friends.

What to do?

• Give your child examples of a strong password that must be at least 8 characters long, including letters, numbers and symbols, and that it should be changed every few months.
• Instead of a simple password such as "123456" or his or her date of birth, help your child come up with a more complex password, such as something like "K1t5&Tr33". Explain that such a password is harder to crack and should not be shared with even the closest people.

3- Dangers of phishing

Children should be taught to be careful when receiving strange messages, especially those that ask them to click on a link or enter personal information. Phishing is one of the most common forms of online fraud, where criminals try to fraudulently gain access to personal information. Explain to your child that even if a message looks convincing, you should always think twice and consult an adult if you have the slightest doubt.

What to do?

• Teach your child to check any suspicious links or messages and to never enter personal information on unknown sites. 
• Show him how to look for the lock icon (secure connection) in the address bar on official websites.
• Teach him to ignore emails from unfamiliar addresses and not to open attachments if they look suspicious.
• If a child receives a message offering a free game, they need to check who sent it - have them ask you for help. 

4. Strangers online are not always friends

It's easy to make new friends online, but not all users are honest and friendly. Abusers may pretend to be children or hide behind fake profiles. Teach your child not to correspond with strangers and never to meet them in real life. Remind them that safe communication is only possible with people they know personally.

What to do?

• Let your child know that not everyone who posts on the internet is who they say they are.
• Have your child tell you if someone asks them to meet in real life or find out something personal.
• Teach it to use the "block" button for suspicious users.
• A child receives a message from someone who appears to be his or her age and suggests meeting in person. It is best if he or she tells you about it.

5. Cyberbullying and how to deal with it

Cyberbullying or online bullying is another threat that children can face. Tell your child that if someone makes hurtful comments, threatens or humiliates them online, there is no need to hide it. Support them and explain that they can always seek help from adults and block or complain to the offender.

What to do?

• Explain to your child that if they encounter bullying on the internet, they should always tell an adult.
• If someone writes hurtful comments or insults on social media or messenger, your child can take a screenshot and show it to you.
• Explain that it is best to block the offending person and not engage in correspondence, and then seek help to resolve the situation.

6. Meaning of privacy settings

Many social networks and apps allow you to manage privacy settings. Show your child how to lock their profile from strangers, block unwanted users, and limit access to personal information. Privacy settings help them avoid unwanted attention and provide control over who can see their postings.

What to do?

• Teach your child how to use privacy settings on social media and other online services.
• When your child creates a profile, show them how to set up access so that only their friends can see their posts and not everyone on the internet.
• Privacy settings allow you to limit who can see his posts, photos, and information.

7. Caution when downloading applications and files

The Internet is full of interesting games, apps and files, but some of them may contain viruses or malware. Teach your child to download apps only from trusted sources such as official app shops. It is also important to explain that downloading dodgy files and apps can be dangerous and that it is better to ask an adult before installing anything on their device.

What to do?

• Children should know to download only trusted apps and avoid downloading files from dodgy sources.
• If your child wants to install a new game or app, show them how to download it only from an official app shop such as Google Play or the App Store.
• Warn him that free download sites may contain viruses and when in doubt, it's better to ask you.

8. Observing digital etiquette

Digital etiquette is the rules of behaviour on the Internet. Teach your child to communicate respectfully with others, to avoid offensive language and not to leave aggressive comments. Explain that on the Internet, as in life, one should be respectful of others, because this forms his or her online reputation.

What to do?

• Teach your child to communicate politely online, avoiding aggressive or hurtful comments.
• Explain that if someone speaks negatively, it is better not to respond aggressively, but simply not to get into an argument. For example, in a game, if someone starts saying unpleasant things, it is better for the child to simply leave the chat room or report to the moderators that the rules have been broken.

9. Alarms and who you can trust

Your child should know what to do if he or she encounters something that is unclear or suspicious. Explain to them that they can always ask their parents or teachers for help. Let your child know that only trust trustworthy people and that you should not be shy about asking questions or talking about problems.

What to do?

• The child must realise that in any doubtful situation it is possible and necessary to ask for help.
• If your child sees something strange, such as messages from strangers asking or insulting them, they can always contact you, a teacher or other trusted adult.
• Let your child know that help is always around and that there is nothing wrong with sharing these situations with you.

Conclusion

Safe online behaviour is a lifelong skill that your child will benefit from. By gradually teaching them about cybersecurity and responsible online behaviour, you are laying the foundation for confident and safe internet use. Make your child feel secure and know that their safety is your responsibility.