Beware of Internet Monsters: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety for Kids

Skip Myers

The Internet is a vast, curious, and sometimes dangerous place, filled with information, games, and ways to connect with family and friends. But just like a kid's playground can have hidden dangers, the Internet can too. This is where Internet monsters roam and play.

Internet monsters aren't scary creatures that jump out of your computer screen. Internet monsters are tricky, deceitful people who try to take advantage of others, especially the most vulnerable and kids who might not know how to stay safe online.

Top 10 Disguises Internet Monsters Might Wear:

• The Friendly/Not Friendly Monster: This monster pretends to be a friend or someone with similar interests. They might be very nice at first, but then they might try to get kids to share personal information or secrets or click on unsafe links.
• The CyberBully Monster: This monster likes to hide behind a computer or mobile device and say mean or hurtful things. They might try to shame or embarrass kids to make them feel bad about themselves.
• The Malicious Monster: This monster creates fake websites or games that look fun but are used to steal passwords and personal information or download viruses onto a computer.
• The Phishing Monster: This monster pretends to be a trusted source, like a bank or a popular website. They might send emails or messages asking for personal information or passwords.
• The Catfishing Monster: This monster creates a fake online persona, often using photos and information that aren't theirs. They might try to build a relationship with a child online and gain their trust.
• The Free Giveaway Monster: This monster promises free games, prizes, or exclusive content in exchange for clicking on a link or filling out a form. These links might lead to unsafe websites or try to collect personal information.
• The Challenge Monster: This monster encourages kids to participate in dangerous or inappropriate online challenges. These challenges might involve sharing personal information or performing risky stunts.
• The Incognito Monster: This monster convinces kids they can get away with anything online because they're anonymous. It's important to explain that their online actions can have real-world consequences even though they might feel hidden behind a username or VPN.
• The Sextortion Monster: This monster tricks or coerces a kid into sending them explicit photos or videos. They might threaten to share these photos or videos with others unless the user gives them personal information or money. This monster may also threaten the kid and demand to meet them offline.
• The Predator Monster: This monster targets children online to groom them for abuse. They will use flattery, threats, or manipulation to gain a child's trust as they groom them over time. During the grooming process, this monster will demand to meet them offline.

How can parents build trust and help their kids navigate the online world?

• Be Open and Honest: Talk to your kids about internet safety from a young age. Explain that people might try to be mean or take advantage of them online, just like in the real world.
• Explore Together: When your kids want to visit new websites or download apps, explore them together. This will help you understand what they're using and show them you're interested in their online world.
• Set Ground Rules: Establish clear rules about internet use, such as time limits, websites they can visit, and what information they can share online.
• Superpower Up with Passwords: Creating strong passwords and emphasizing the importance of keeping them private is a valuable practice that can be taught to children.
• Privacy Pact: Talk to your kids about what's okay to share online and what's not. Explain that their personal information including home addresses, phone numbers, passwords, or photographs should never be shared with strangers.
• The Block Button is Your Friend: Encourage your kids to use the block button if someone bothers them online. Let them know they can always come to you for help.
• Be a Safe Share Zone: Let your kids know they can come to you if they encounter something scary or upsetting online. Promise you won't get mad, but you'll help them figure it out together.
• Supercharge Security: Install security software and parental controls on your devices. These tools can help parents block inappropriate content and monitor their kid's online activity.
• Be a Role Model: Be mindful of your online behavior. Being careful about what you share and how you interact with others online sets an excellent example for your kids.
• Keep the Conversation Going: Internet safety is an ongoing conversation. As your kids grow and explore more of the Internet, keep talking to them about the potential dangers and how to stay safe.

Recognizing that the Internet is a potent educational, creative, and networking resource is essential. Through collaborative efforts, we can guide our children to become discerning and responsible navigators of the digital world.

Bonus Tip: The Internet Safety Brigade, co-founded by Skip Myers, offers Internet Safety workshops for kids and parents. Check out these resources and more at: https://InternetSafetyBrigade.org https://SkipMyersBooks.com

Coming Soon! My new children's book, "Say No to Internet Monsters" fills the awareness and education gap for Internet Safety.

"Say No To Internet Monsters" starts by instilling foundational knowledge and responsible online practices for parents and caregivers that can be shared with children from an early age.

For more information and upcoming release dates, subscribe to my newsletter at: https://lnkd.in/eUDXcmhq

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Skip Myers, a fraud prevention and cybersecurity expert with over twenty-five years of experience in the field, this delightful story aims to help kids understand the potential dangers of the Internet in a fun and engaging way.?

Drawing on his cybersecurity expertise and passion for educating others,?Myers has crafted a captivating tale that will inspire parents and children to say no to Internet monsters by being vigilant and staying safe online. With colorful illustrations and a relatable storyline, Say No to Internet Monsters is a must-read for any parent and young person navigating the digital world.

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