How Can You Keep Your Children Safe When Accessing the Internet at Home?

With an increased use of web-based tools, downloading new applications and a dependence on email, children could be exposed to a new batch of malware threats.

This can include viruses and ransomware – some of which can target your operating system and change the PIN code for the lock-screen. If infected, the user can lose complete access to their device.

Seemingly innocent activities like the use of YouTube can expose children to unexpected risks given the breadth of inappropriate adult content available.

Most videos end with links to a number of related resources, the selection of which cannot be controlled. Even using YouTube Kids, a subset of curated YouTube content filtered for appropriateness,?has some risks. There have been reports of content featuring violence, suicidal themes and sexual references.

Because video conferencing is becoming normalised, malicious actors (including paedophiles) may seek to exploit this level of familiarity. They can persuade children to engage in actions that can escalate to inappropriate sexual behaviours.

Some families may be using older or borrowed devices if there aren’t enough for their children to use. These devices may not offer the same level of protection against common internet threats (such as viruses) as they may no longer be supported by the vendor (such as Microsoft or Apple) and be missing vital updates.

They may also be unable to run the latest protective software (such as antivirus) due to incompatibilities or simply being under-powered.

What can parents do to protect children?

Some devices support filters and controls natively. For example, many Apple devices offer?ScreenTime?controls to limit access to apps and websites and apply time limits to device use (recent Android devices might have the?Digital Wellbeing?feature with similar capabilities).

Traditional mechanisms like firewalls and anti-virus tools are still essential on laptops and desktop systems. It is important these are not just installed and forgotten. Just like the operating systems, they need to be regularly updated.

There is a wealth of advice available to support children using technology at home.

The Australian eSafety Commissioner’s website, for instance, provides access to:

• an?online safety booklet?for children under five
• advice on?parental controls?such as setting up filters on the home internet
• an?online safety guide?for young people
• specific advice on the?“big issues”?such as cyberbullying and unwanted contact or grooming
• global safety advice?to help parents deal with online abuse.

But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by these materials, some key messages include:

• ensuring (where appropriate) the device is regularly updated. This can include updating the operating system such as Windows, Android or Mac
• using appropriate antivirus software (and ensuring it is also kept up to date)
• applying parental controls to limit screen time, specific app use (blocking or limiting use), or specific website blocks (such as blocking access to YouTube)
• on some devices, parental controls can limit use of the camera and microphone to prevent external communication
• applying age restrictions to media content and websites (the Communications Alliance has a list of accredited?family friendly filters)
• monitoring your child’s use of apps or web browsing activities
• when installing apps for children, checking online and talking to other parents about them
• configuring web browsers to use “safe search”
• ensuring children use devices in sight of parents
• talking to your children?about online behaviours.

While technology can play a part, ensuring children work in an environment where there is (at least periodic) oversight by parents is still an important factor.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about how DMU can support you with internet security, please message us: [email protected]