As the internet and technology continue to advance and spread throughout Kentucky and across America, it is important to understand what these developments mean for us.
Greater access to technology and the internet has prompted an increased need for cybersecurity and online safety. This is especially true for our children. Understanding the vulnerabilities and dangers of cyberspace and knowing how to combat them is crucial to protecting our children as technology becomes more accessible.
Cybersecurity is a way to protect your digital data, including personal and financial information. It can also protect against criminals targeting children or vulnerable people. Another type of technology that may pose a threat to children is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can generate content that was previously only produced by people. It can be helpful in school or in the creative arts.
Both the internet and AI can be useful tools for learning and creating, however, there are also dangers. Children are at risk of being exposed to illegal and age-inappropriate content. They may also be at risk for exploitation through criminals contacting them.
Children who do not have an adequate understanding of online safety are also at risk for their personal data being revealed. Another issue arises in the form of cyberbullying, where peers or strangers online may bully children. There are also financial and security risks for children who do not understand what the information means. Children spending excessive time online and on digital devices can exacerbate any of these issues and increase the risk of these dangers.
Children are at risk from three majority groups:
- Strangers, who might be predators or cybercriminals looking to prey on vulnerable children and people.
- Peers, who may be using social media or messaging apps to bully or harass children they know.
- Self, children who have unsupervised access online may accidentally install dangerous software or share private information.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, there are ways to make internet use for you and your children safer. These steps and actions can include:
- Open communication: Having a discussion with children of all ages about internet safety may be difficult, but it can help protect them. Children may not realize the nature of their online interactions and fall victim to predators and criminals.
- Limiting access: Setting limits about who your child is allowed to communicate with online and what websites they are allowed to use can reduce the risk of them communicating with people online who have ill-intent.
- Limiting screen Time: Setting limits about what devices and how long they spend on these devices can help protect your child. Setting limits on the applications your children use can also be helpful as predators may use new technology to avoid detection.
- Fighting fire with fire: Be proactive and use technology to protect them. Devices and programs often have settings that allow parents to set restrictions to limit what the child can access and how long they can spend on the device or application. These programs may also allow parents to see what the child is doing and can help parents to see suspicious activity.
- Pay attention: Children who are victimized online or sexually exploited may not feel comfortable coming forward and are embarrassed or hesitate to tell the adults in their life about it. Watch for warning signs such as the child being withdrawn or drastic mood changes while using the Internet.
- Report suspected abuse: If you suspect abuse, reporting can help minimize further victimization. If you believe your child has been sexually exploited online, contact the United States Attorney’s Office, your local F.B.I. office, or report online at cybertipline.org.
The digital world does not have to be off limits or scary for kids or for you, keeping yourself and your children informed about how to protect themselves online can make accessing the internet safely a breeze. Teaching children about internet safety from a young age can help prepare them to access the internet safely as adults.
Some ways to boost your cybersecurity can include:
- Anti-virus: A program that can run in the background of your computer that protects you from viruses like trojan horses, spyware, and ransomware.
- Anti-phishing: By installing a program to protect your device from phishing, or emails that have dangerous links, you can prevent you or your child from accidentally downloading damaging software to your computer.
- Webcam protection: Covering or disabling your webcam can prevent hackers or criminals from spying on you or your child.
- Content blocker: Enabling a content blocker can help prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.
Software like this and taking steps to ensure your children are prepared to access the internet can help protect them from many dangers that may arise. The internet does not have to be a scary place. It can be a helpful tool and a way for young children to learn from the safety of their own home.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov/.
Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield
