Our role, our children and cybersecurity 

For the most part, when we talk about cyberspace, we often think about how we can use it to create more interesting and useful information for users anytime and everywhere. Cyberspace allows us, after all, to share information and engage in conversations in a global and dynamic world.

The space that connects the many different computers across the globe is in fact what we know as cyberspace, where such connections and networks are limitless. But while cyberspace gifts us with incredible benefits from the “information superhighway” and allows people to express themselves and build relationships with other people from all over the world, one must also consider the importance of cybersecurity in order to protect individuals, especially the most vulnerable – our children.

Although some people still attribute cyberspace to the Wild Wild West, it is inevitable to find out about the real dangers that pose as threats to data networks around the world. One of the few basic issues surrounding information technology consists of personal privacy, data access rights and worse, harmful acts done over the internet.

Human nature has shown us that we are a society that feels mostly safe as we continue to communicate better with others even in the protection of our own homes. However, there are hidden dangers that still continue to linger in the realm of cyberspace, where young people become exposed to aggression and violence, bullying and harassment and predators.

No amount of money can fully protect any of us from cyberattacks but, we can surely educate ourselves on the steps that may provide us with the safety we need in order to prevent cyber threats from happening. Using strong passwords and updating our software are a few ways to protect us against cyberattacks by fixing security vulnerabilities as well as avoiding easily guessable information. The most common way of protecting yourself from hackers is simply to think before you click, as they say, mostly when you receive a link that is quite questionable.

In today’s digital age, educating our children on cybersecurity is crucial and it is our responsibility to introduce online safety to our young people as early as possible. The use of cyberspace is a vital tool in our everyday lives; however, we need more people to help protect our children from cyberattacks that threaten their privacy and safety by explaining to them the risks of sharing their private information and engaging with strangers who can be potential threats to their lives.

When explaining to very young children, we must be able to help them grasp the concepts more clearly through relatable language and examples that are tailor made or specific to their age.

The ethical use of technology is essential to our children and their everyday lives and it is our job to provide them with the best possible education on the matter so that they may grow up to be responsible digital citizens.

Critical thinking must also be encouraged as children learn to question the validity of information they come across online. Most of all, children need to feel safe by knowing that they can share their online experiences with a trusted adult such as their parents or teachers, especially when they are confronted with something confusing or suspicious.

Cyber security for children should also include the ability to set boundaries with clear guidelines and time limits on the use of their devices as well as online access, since a good life balance is needed where other life aspects are fulfilled.

Last but not least, and this may be very difficult for us adults to do, we must lead by example, as our children learn best from what they observe in us. Cybersecurity is an ongoing learning process and as our children grow older, they will experience new digital challenges, hence, we must continue to equip ourselves in order to raise awareness and share best practices for stronger cybersecurity measures in the future.