From our playground to yours
As our children take a well-deserved break for the December school holidays, they might find themselves with more free time to turn to their devices and the internet for entertainment and social interaction.
While the digital world offers many opportunities for learning and fun, it also presents risks that we need to protect our children from. It is crucial for children to stay cyber-savvy and for parents to take proactive steps to protect their children online. A recent talk presented by Cyberlinx Security has several tips to help us keep our children safe online.
Your digital tattoo
Your online actions leave permanent digital footprints, forming your digital tattoo. It’s like an online resume, visible to employers, tertiary institutions and others. The internet never forgets – even if you delete things – and other people can add to your digital tattoo. Your digital tattoo is a public reflection of your online life.
Digital content
Everything you share online, from posts to photos and articles, becomes part of your digital footprint. Quick shares create lasting impressions, and the internet doesn’t have a backspace. Think before you post because once something is online, it’s nearly impossible to fully remove and it can shape how others see you.
The invisible audience
The “invisible audience” refers to anyone who can see your posts online, even if you think it’s just for friends. People can act like “undercover agents”, sharing, screenshotting, and spreading your content further than you’d expect. Your posts can reach beyond your intended circle, with a global audience potentially viewing what you share.
How do we stay safe online?
Avoid oversharing: Oversharing happens when you post too much personal information, like your daily routines, location or private details. It’s like handing out a copy of your house key to everyone – unnecessary and unsafe.
Personal information: Sharing too much can make you a target for trolls, scammers or criminals who exploit personal information. Once online, it’s hard to take back, so it’s safer to limit what you share.
Location: Your phone tracks your movements through a feature called “geotagging”, creating a digital map of where you’ve been, like a detective following your every step.
Protecting your identity
Passwords: Think of your password as a superhero guarding your digital life – it should be strong, unique and tough for hackers to crack.
Privacy settings: Set your social media profiles to private and avoid sharing work-related information.
Real connections only: Only add people you know in real life – each friend is like a key holder to your online kingdom.
Hashtag caution: Hashtags can make your posts searchable by a wider audience, even if your account is private. Use them carefully to avoid unwanted exposure.
Sexting is sending messages or pictures that are private or sexual. This can include photos of yourself or others without clothes on or messages with sexual content.
Why sexting is a bad idea
Sexual bullying: Sharing private content with someone you trust can backfire if they share it with others after a falling out, turning your secret into public humiliation.
Blackmail: Someone could use your private messages or images to manipulate you, threatening to expose them unless you do what they want.
Reputation damage: If your private content gets out, it can harm your reputation among friends, peers, and even future employers or colleges.
Legal consequences: If you’re underage, sending explicit material is illegal. Both you and the person receiving it could face serious legal trouble, affecting your future.
The damage caused by cyberbullying
Chain of publication
- Sharing harmful content: Forwarding hurtful posts spreads the bullying message.
- Holding onto harmful content: Not reporting or deleting it allows the problem to continue.
- Opting out: Disengage from harmful content to break the chain.
- Why it matters: Your choices online can stop the spread of harm by not sharing and reporting cyberbullying.
The matter of age
As you grow up, the law starts to see you differently and your legal responsibilities change with age.
- Under 12: Too young for criminal responsibility; parents are accountable.
- Ages 12-14: The law assesses if you understand right from wrong.
- 14 and older: Full criminal responsibility; you can face legal consequences.
- Civil law at 7: You can sue or be sued, gaining civil legal responsibility.
- Public visibility: Your actions, especially online, can lead to legal consequences.
Did you know?
70% of teens report hiding their online activity from their parents by clearing browser history, using incognito modes or lying about their activities.
2.27% of teens have experienced cyberbullying within the last 30 days, with name-calling and rumours being the most common forms.
40% of employers admit to checking an applicant’s social media profile during the hiring process, underlining the impact of your digital footprint on future opportunities.
Over 50% of teens have had their images shared online without their consent, emphasising the risks of oversharing and sexting.
