digital safety Archives

I’m thrilled to welcome Julia Daniels of Ever Accountable back to Hopeful Mom. Julia lists some practical digital safety tips for us this holiday season. Check out Ever Accountable and use this link for 20% off.

Who can forget the iconic scenes in Home Alone when young Kevin finds himself all alone in the house while the rest of the family is traveling internationally for Christmas? He’s only eight – vulnerable, mischievous, and obviously relishing zero adult supervision.

When Kevin’s mom suddenly realizes her young son is not on the plane with the family, I feel her wide-eyed panic in the pit of my stomach (Every. Single. Year.) as she exclaims, “KEVINNN!”

Meanwhile Kevin’s reckless enjoyment of his freedom (and sheer ingenuity) while he’s home alone reminds us all why kids need parents!

In the midst of the holiday bustle, our children can quietly become “home alone” in their own secret digital lives. But the online dangers that lurk are far more serious and subtle than the larger-than-life robbery heist Kevin thwarted.

As a Cybersecurity Instructor, Research Scientist, and Teacher, Barb Fox knows about technology and how to explain safety in a tech world to parents and students. I love, love the analogy she presents in order for us to understand cyber hygiene.

My children loved searching for treasures. I humored them as they scoured parking lots for coins or waded in creeks to find rusty bicycle wheels. But when it came to public restrooms, that was a different story. Pennies and abandoned toys stayed on the floor. Every time we went into a public bathroom, I reminded them about what was safe to touch and what was not. Those public places also prompted lessons on privacy. Close the door. Lock the door. And don’t peek where you shouldn’t peek.

These same precious kids need similar “cyber hygiene” training to protect their safety and privacy in the digital world.

Tag: digital safety

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