We are InfoSec: Members of the Information Security Department at KAUST.
Our mission: To enable you to be a Human Firewall by shielding yourself, your family and KAUST from today’s cyber-attacks.
As parents or guardians, we must make sure kids can make the most of technology in a safe and secure manner. However, many of us are overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Education is ultimately the best defense children have against today’s cyber risks. We must teach them not to get caught up in technology. Instead, just like in the physical world, we must focus on developing good online values and behaviors. We must establish rules for what kids can and cannot do online.
Some examples include:
- Times they can or cannot go online and for how long.
- Whom to report problems to, such as if someone online is being a bully or is being inappropriate.
- Types of websites they can or cannot visit or games they can and cannot play.
- The kind of information they can share and with whom.
- Children often do not realize that online posts are permanent and public. In addition, they may think they are sharing a secret with just one person however, a secret—if exposed—can easily be shared with the world.
- Always remember to treat others online as they would want to be treated themselves.
Stay up to date: The earlier you start talking to your kids about technology, the better.
Not sure how to start the conversation? Especially with older kids? Ask them what apps they are using and how they work. Put your child in the role of teacher and have them show you what they are doing online.
What to do if a child is Cyber-Bullied: If a child witnesses cyber bullying, such as someone sending a hurtful photo or text, always instruct them to report it right away and not to participate or respond back to the bully. Sometimes strangers online pretend to be kids to build trust with children and take advantage of that trust. No one should be asking your child for personal information online, such as where they live or what they are wearing. Make sure your child feels comfortable approaching you about anyone who is creepy. Always remind them to stop all communication with potential predators and report it immediately to KAUST authorities.
Beyond Education: Have a dedicated computer just for your kids. This way, they cannot accidentally infect your computer, which you may use for sensitive activity, such as banking online. In addition, keep their computer in a public, high-traffic area so their activities can be monitored. For mobile devices, consider a centralized charging station somewhere in your house. Before your children go to bed at night, have all mobile devices placed at the charging station so your children are not tempted to use them when they should be sleeping.
Parental Controls: In addition, most computers and mobile devices support some type of parental controls, or you can purchase parental control software. These solutions allow you to filter and monitor what your children do online. These solutions are effective for younger kids but may not work as effectively as children get older. Older kids often need more extensive access to the Internet and will be using multiple devices that you do not control or cannot monitor, such as those issued by school, gaming consoles, or computers at a friend’s or relative’s house.
Setting Expectations: For older children, it may be hard to control everything they can do online. Instead of trying to control or monitor their every action, set expectations of certain goals or behaviors and then tie those to what they can do online. For example, one option is to tie your rules to their academic grades, completion of chores, or how they treat others. The better their behavior in the real world (such as the higher their grades), the more they can do online.
For older children, it may be hard to control everything they can do online. Instead of trying to control or monitor their every action, set expectations of certain goals or behaviors and then tie those to what they can do online. For example, one option is to tie your rules to their academic grades, completion of chores, or how they treat others. The better their behavior in the real world (such as the higher their grades), the more they can do online.
Once you decide on the rules, write them down and post them by the family computer or your child’s bedroom door. Even better, have them review and sign the document. That way, everyone is in full agreement. The earlier you start talking to your kids about your expectations, the better.
For more information contact the Information Security Department at: askinfosec@kaust.edu.sa.
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