IN today’s digital age, children are increasingly immersed in the online world, from educational platforms to social media. While the Internet offers countless opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents a myriad risks. Ronald Donaldson, senior major account manager at Fortinet Jamaica, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, notes that it is crucial to understand these threats and equip our children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.

“The more access children of all ages have to these devices, the more vital it becomes for governments, schools, educators, and parents to work together to promote strong online safety policies for students,” he shared.

He said parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s online experiences. By actively engaging in their digital lives, parents can foster a safe and positive environment.

It can be overwhelming to think about all the risks that children of all ages face while surfing the Internet. Cyberbullying, identity theft, and online predators are just a few of the dangers lurking online.

Cyberbullying can have devastating consequences, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. Identity theft involves stealing personal information to steal money, and access personal files or devices to commit fraud, which can unfortunately have widespread negative impact. Additionally, online predators pose a serious threat, often targeting children and adolescents to engage in inappropriate, exploitative and harmful activities.

Protective measures

Donaldson shared some proactive strategies that parents and educators can employ, geared towards managing, raising awareness, educating and empowering our youth for a safer digital world:

Open communication: Talk openly with your children about online safety, including the risks, consequences, and appropriate online behaviour. Encourage your children to talk openly about their online activities, friends, and any concerns they may have. This creates a sense of trust and allows you to provide guidance when needed.

•Set limits and monitor activity: Establish clear rules and guidelines for Internet use, including time limits and appropriate websites. Monitor your children’s online activity regularly.

•Use parental controls: Utilise parental control features on devices and Internet service providers to filter content and restrict access to certain websites.

•Teach digital citizenship: Educate your children about responsible online behaviour, including respecting others, protecting personal information, and avoiding sharing sensitive details.

•Use a secure connection: Look at the URL in the search bar. Is there a little lock symbol next to the URL? If so, good news, as it means you have a secure connection. These types of connections protect your data from being accessed by unauthorised sources, helping to keep your information safe.

•Address online gaming concerns: If your child is a frequent gamer, be aware of the potential risks associated with online gaming, such as exposure to inappropriate content, in-app purchases, and contact with strangers.

• Choose strong passwords: Use passwords that are easy to remember, but difficult to guess. Never include sensitive or identifiable information such as birthday, phone number or address, use alphanumeric combinations and above all, never recycle passwords.

• Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA): This offers an extra layer of protection against password theft and is very easy to implement. MFA confirms your identity by adding an additional step to the login process, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access the account.

• Keep software, tools, and systems up to date: Keep devices and apps updated with the latest security versions.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely. Open communication, active involvement, and a strong foundation in digital citizenship are essential for ensuring a positive and secure online experience.