Kaspersky shares 7 tips to help parents keep their kids safe online during school break
Thailand's first semester ends in mid-October, and students return to school in early November. For youngsters, school break is a paradise where they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. In current digital era, their favourite pastimes undoubtedly involve being attached to their mobile phone screens, connecting to social networks, watching varied material on YouTube, and playing online games.
However, the situation for parents is significantly different. Most parents prefer their children to go to school every day because during school break, parents have to spend more time caring for them or find someone to do it for them since parents have to work.
They must plan additional activities and travel with their families so that the youngsters do not become bored in the house and go on a rampage. Many parents throughout the world, including Thailand, continue to be tempted to use screen time to buy a few minutes of peace and quiet at home or through a long travel.
However, keeping children safe online is primary issue for parents. According to a survey on Thai children and online risks conducted by the Department of Children and Youth between May and July 2022, 81% of Thai children aged 9 - 18 years own a tablet or smartphone. 85% of them use social media on a daily or nearly daily basis. And 75% of them engage in internet gaming.
Other major findings related to internet risks they encountered include:
- 54% have viewed pornographic media
- 36% have been flirted with online
- 26% have ever had a sex video call
- 26% have been bullied online
- 12% are lured online (grooming)
- 11% have been sexually assaulted
- 11% have ever visited an illegal or dangerous website.
- 7% play online gambling
Therefore, motoring and building cybersecurity awareness for kids when online is highly responsibility for their children’s digital habits to keep them safe from online threats.
.JPG)
“Our research is clear, everyone is at risk of online scams and threats. A bad actor doesn’t care how old you are or where you come from, to them everyone is fair game. The only way to put a stop to this is more and better education, giving people of all ages the ability to spot and avoid the everyday scams,” says Benjamas Chuthapiphat, Territory Manager for Thailand at Kaspersky.
To make peace among family members and help kids reduce their reliance on mobile screens and online risks, here are a few suggestions:
1. Set limits: Establish clear rules regarding screen time and stick to them. For example, you can allocate specific hours for screen use, such as limiting it to a couple of hours per day.
2. Encourage alternative activities: Introduce kids to a variety of activities that they can enjoy offline. Encourage hobbies like reading, drawing, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in physical activities like sports or outdoor games.
3. Lead by example: Show your kids that you're also willing to detach from screens. Dedicate some quality time together without any electronic devices, such as family game nights or outings to the park.
4. Create tech-free zones: Designate certain areas in your home, such as bedrooms or dining areas, as tech-free zones. This helps establish healthy boundaries and encourages face-to-face communication.
5. Provide alternatives: Offer alternative sources of entertainment, such as board games, puzzles, art and craft supplies, or books that align with your child's interests.
6. Engage in joint activities: Participate in activities that your child enjoys. This will help strengthen your bond and provide an opportunity for them to experience the joy of non-digital interactions.
7. Encourage outdoor play: Encourage your child to spend time outdoors, engaging in physical activities like riding a bicycle, playing in the park, or joining sports teams.
Remember, it is important to communicate the reasons behind these changes and involve your kid in the decision-making process. Be patient and supportive throughout the transition.
“We now live in a data-driven society. Children are our future and more has to be done in schools and at home to teach them how to stay safe online. Even if they believe they have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, they are still falling victim to even the simplest phishing scam. And the threats are only getting more sophisticated, as more of our information is only going online,” adds Benjamas.
