1. Enable parental controls on all devices
Parental controls are your first line of defence. These tools enable you to :
- Limit access to inappropriate content.
- Manage screen time.
- Block unauthorized downloads.
What to do?
- On Android or iOS: Use the built-in settings to configure restrictions.
- On web browsers: Install extensions or software such as Qustodio or Norton Family.
- On game consoles: Activate parental control options to restrict access to online games or features.
2. Establish rules for using social networks
Social networks are both fascinating and risky for children. They may be confronted with :
- Inappropriate content.
- Cyber-stalkers or predators.
- Dangerous challenges or scams.
A few simple rules:
- Set a minimum age for signing up to social networks.
- Ask your children to set up private profiles.
- Teach them never to share personal information (address, phone number, school).
3. Teach them how to spot scams
Online scams often target younger people, with offers that seem too good to be true. Explain how:
- Identify fraudulent e-mails or messages.
- Recognize suspicious links (typosquatting, fake domains).
- Avoid sharing banking information or passwords.
Practical example: Show them examples of scams, such as messages claiming they've won a contest. Teach them to ask critical questions: “Did I really enter this contest?”
Why is children's cybersafety crucial?
Today's children are tomorrow's adults. Educating them from an early age to adopt good online practices prepares them to navigate safely in the digital world.
To find out more, explore our others articles about cybersecurity and discover the tools you need to navigate with peace of mind.
With these tips, you can make the Internet a safer place for your children. Do you have any other tips or questions about cybersafety for kids? Share them in the comments! 🌐
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FAQ on cybersecurity and children.
Children can be exposed to inappropriate content, cyber-stalkers, online predators or scams. They may also unwittingly share sensitive information or fall for scams, such as too-good-to-be-true offers.
The recommended age is generally 13, as this is the minimum age set by most platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok). However, parental supervision remains essential, even after this age. It's essential to educate your child on the best practices for using the Internet and social networks.
- On smartphones and tablets: Use built-in functions like “Screen Time” on iOS or “Digital Wellbeing” on Android.
- On game consoles: Activate the parental control settings in the system options.
- On web browsers: Install third-party software such as Qustodio, Norton Family or Microsoft Family Safety.
Common signs include a sudden drop in mood, a reluctance to use connected devices, or a fear of going to school. Talk to your children regularly to detect any abnormal behavior.
Explain to your children:
- Check the sender's e-mail address (for example, an official domain such as “amazon.com” and not “amazo.nxyz.com”).
- Not to click on links sent by strangers.
- To ask critical questions: “Did I enter this contest?” or “Why is this person asking me for my personal information?”.
Yes, here are a few effective tools:
- Google Family Link: Monitor online activities.
- Microsoft Family Safety: To configure restrictions.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids: A freemium solution to help filter content.
- Set up a private account.
- Deactivate unknown messages.
- Explain why he should never share personal information or respond to suspicious messages.
Adopt a positive, educational tone. Explain that the aim is to protect them, not to monitor them. Use simple examples and show them that cybersecurity is like buckling up in the car: a normal and necessary precaution.
- Act quickly: Change all passwords associated with the account in question.
- Report the incident: Contact the platform or site concerned.
- Learn together: Explain what happened to prevent it from happening again.