Mangaluru, Dec 29: They text. They snap. They wouldn’t look up from their phones even if the apocalypse were upon them. They are today’s generation of device-addicted kids. The Internet is without a doubt one of the best resources available to us. Unfortunately it's also extremely dangerous if you aren't aware of who and what lurks behind the scenes. If you want to drive a car/ride a bike, you must know the road safety rules and laws before riding the vehicle. Similarly, everyone should know how to be safe when surfing the web and the laws applicable for internet usage.
Parents all over the world know that the advantages of the Internet far outweigh its disadvantages. Children learn more, understand more and accomplish more with the aid of the Internet. In a recent survey conducted by Norton-Symantec, it was observed that globally, 60% of parents allow their children access to the Internet before age 11. Even though 78% of parents agree that children today face more online risks than children five years ago, only 50% check their children’s browser history and 46% limit access to certain websites and apps.
Present generation of parents are raising children in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape. Children naturally learn and adapt quickly, but even more so in this age of technology. Besides the numerous responsibilities that come with parenting, now parents have the additional burden of keeping up with their kids’ Internet habits and also guiding their children safely through the digital frontier.
Just as the parents have taught their child to look both ways before crossing the street, it is important to teach them a few essential cyber life skills as well.
Some of the important guidelines while using the internet are:
1) Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
4) Never give out your passwords
5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know
6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do
7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.
10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.
Other types of internet use
E-mails, Spam &, Phishing and Viruses
Spam - unsolicited bulk messages, especially advertising.
Phishing - the act of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
Viruses/Adware/Malware - programs that may be harmful to your computer.
If you have an e-address, at some point you might receive a message from someone you don't know. They could be:
• Selling something (this is called a ‘spam’ email)
• Sending you a virus
• Sending you an attachment (in most cases contain a virus, adware or malware)
• Sending abusive or explicit content
• The golden rule is, if the email is from someone you don't know, delete it.
• If it is spam, you might get ripped off.
• If it is a virus, your computer might get damaged.
• If it is an attachment, it might contain a virus, or it might be something you don't want to see. You will have to pay to remove it from your computer
• If it is abusive or explicit, it might upset you or even get you into trouble.
• You can avoid unwanted emails by getting the right software. This is something for an adult to sort out, but you might know more about it than them already, so help them out.
Most importantly, do not forward any communally sensitive/provocative/obscene messages. Also, use an antivirus/firewall to keep your mobile/computer safe For more details, Click on the link below to download a copy of the Cyber Crimes and Prevention eBook sponsored by Krishna J Palemar, Former Minister Govt of Karnata
To collect a hard copy of this book, you may visit the Daijiworld Office in Mangaluru.
About the Author
Ananth Prabhu G, 32 years old is an author, software engineer, motivational speaker, TV host and educator. BE in CS, MBA in IS, MTech in CS, Diploma in Cyber Laws, PhD in Computer Engineering. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management and Director of Vikas Edu Solutions. He has authored two very popular motivational books for Students and Teachers- Little Black Book. His new book- I Own the Monks Ferrari is about the journey from material to spiritual world. He loves Music, Singing, Playing various Musical Instruments, Trained Tabla Player. Co-Founder of Campus Interview Training Solution, which helps in training Final year Engineering students to make them industry ready. He has delivered more than 500 technical and management workshops. He is also the guest faculty of Cyber Crime and Cyber Law at the Karnataka Police Academy, Mysore since 2012.