5. When in doubt, ask an adult.
Not everything on the Internet is as it seems. That’s why former President Obama created the “Stop.Think.Connect” campaign against cyber crime. This campaign reminds us to use common sense and err on the side of caution, always.
For example, we’re used to getting phone calls to our land lines and postcards in our mailboxes notifying us we won a free cruise or qualify for a special offer—and we know not to bite. Nowadays, your kids are getting these same types of messages via email and social media, but do they know not to bite? Hopefully after this conversation, they have a better idea of what dangers to look out for, but that doesn’t mean they’re prepared for anything.
Tell your kids that in this case: ask an adult, whether that’s a teacher, family member, older sibling or parent. Above all else, remind your kids to use common sense when navigating the Internet. Have them ask themselves: “If a trusted adult were standing behind me, would I still be doing this?” If the answer is “No,” then common sense says to stay away.
