The Northumberland of the Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is providing community members some internet and social media safety tips to assist with preventing teenagers and pre-teenagers from being targeted by online fraudsters.
With the increase of online learning for students, they are accessing the internet more frequently, both with and without adult supervision. The Northumberland OPP is urging parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with their children’s online and social media activities.
The following is a list of suggestions for parents and caregivers to better protect our youth from falling victim:
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Know their passwords to devices they use and social media accounts.
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Get them to show you their accounts.
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Acquaint yourself on the use of popular social media applications such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, or any other platforms they may be using.
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Check their devices regularly.
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Encourage open discussion with your teen about what they may be exposed to online.
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Talk to your teen about what a healthy relationship looks and feels like.
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Have discussions about boundaries and what is appropriate.
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Talk to your kids about possible “red flags” they may encounter online, as some are not as obvious as others.
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Set limits on the use of devices, e.g. no devices in the bedroom or set a curfew.
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Remind them never to accept people they have never met in person on their social media accounts
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Never give out personal information, this includes passwords, financial or banking information
Encourage an environment of open discussion and mutual trust. Please keep in mind children are curious, they will have questions and will most likely make mistakes. The best prevention is parental involvement and education.
For more information on how to keep your children safe while they’re navigating the internet and social media, visit www.cybertip.ca , www.protectkidsonline.ca and www.thedoorthatsnotlocked.ca .
