By Allen Scott, managing director of F-Secure UK
Wednesday, 18th June 2014
Many parents today did not grow up using the internet like kids today do, so when it comes to keeping families safe online most parents look for support. We’re proud to be involved with Switched On Families, a resource that’s full of ideas and guidance for parents. It is the perfect complement to the technology we provide to support parents as well.
All Virgin Media customers are offered F-Secure SAFE security software free for one year. This advanced software does much more than protect your devices from malware – It can be used to help protect your children online too. Here are some of the features we recommend parents take a look at:
Safe Profile
This is a Facebook app which tests your (or your children’s) accounts and tells you what can be seen by the public. It then tells you how to change the settings. As a rule of thumb, you should make everything private and warn your children to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.
Call and text blocking
This is a useful service to show your children how to use. If they become the victim of bullying, they can block the perpetrator from making contact with them on their mobile phone.
Homework time
To avoid procrastination while they are supposed to be doing their homework, you can schedule time slots when their devices won’t connect to the internet or will only provide access to educational websites.
And finally
Remember that it’s important to be engaged in your child’s life – both online and offline. Our advice? Talk to your children and show interest in what they’re doing online. Ask what websites they are using, and what their preferred social networking sites are. Understand who they are talking to and help them understand that some of the risks and benefits of sharing things online.
Remember, an open dialogue is more likely to lead children or grandchildren to ask for your advice if they see or experience something online that concerns them.
The Internet is a wonderful place, but (just as in the real world), children still need a guiding hand.
The web’s packed with fun and knowledge for your kids to explore. But just like in the real world, there are things we all need to watch out for.
To help you keep up with the what’s happening online including the latest apps and crazes, we’re asking the people who are best placed to give you the lowdown – kids.