Online Safety

Here’s what you can do to help your kids from revealing too much personal information online:

• Establish rules about what they can share and under what circumstances - For example, it’s OK for them to enter their address online if they’re ordering something from Amazon with your permission, but it’s not OK to enter their address in a pop-up that promises to send them a prize.
• Learn about the reporting options of any websites and games they’re using - Each website and game will have its own tools to report issues such as stolen passwords or hacked accounts. Get to know them so you know what to do if there is a problem.
• Check privacy settings - You should help kids set up their accounts and check their privacy settings often to make sure they’re using the settings that offer the most protection.
• Help them create strong passwords and tell them not to share them with anyone but you - Passwords should be at least 8 characters long. Try using silly words or phrases that are easy to remember. Never use personal information in a password and change them often.
• Talk about friends lists – we recommend that children only add friends they know offline, but this may change as they get older. Talk to them about the types of friends you’re OK with them adding.