It can be tough raising kids in a digital environment. Many of them use the Internet effortlessly, and easily adapt to new devices that connect to it. For many of us, these tools have become a routine part of our children’s lives, as they use them to chat, surf, post, play and learn. The Internet has become one of the most powerful tools they have to connect with friends and make new ones.
Many kids, however, don’t fully understand the impact that some online activities may have on their privacy. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has come up with a new tip sheet that offers 12 practical tips for parents interested in discussing online privacy with their kids. The tips include simple ideas and advice that parents may use to limit risks to their child’s personal information, while allowing them to continue enjoying their time online.
Here is a quick list of the tips. Look at the tip sheet for detailed information on each tip!
- Talk to your kids.
- Try it out.
- Keep up with the technology.
- Make restricting privacy settings a habit.
- Make password protection a priority.
- Emphasize the importance of protecting mobile devices.
- Remind your kids that what they post on the Internet is not always private.
- Teach your kids to think before they click.
- Stress the importance of knowing your real friends.
- Teach your kids that their personal information is valuable.
- Let your kids know that you are there if they make a privacy mistake.
- Set a good example.
These tips were launched this week as part of our Office’s week-long campaign leading up to Data Privacy Day. For more information on the Office’s Data Privacy Day activities and resources, go to www.priv.gc.ca.
For more information on talking to your kids about how their use of technology can affect privacy.