Kris McDonald | Little Tech Girl
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5 Tips to Online Safety

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Based on recent research by Trend Micro, nearly 30% of all households have three or more smartphones. Add to that the number tablets, and computers, and you have homes that are more connected than ever before. Because of this, social media has become more of a beast than many of us could have imagined. When I was a teen we did not have laptops, or tablets. And we did not have smartphones permanently connected to our hands. While I’m sure our parents had a certain amount of worry about what we were being exposed to, it was nothing like it is now.

And while kids may be tied to their mobile devices a lot on a normal day, in winter it is sure to get worse. Cold weather means many families may choose to stay indoors more. And longer commutes because of bad weather mean kids are keeping themselves busy in the car. Plus hackers take advantage of this time of year to up their efforts in identity theft, and cyber theft knowing that consumers are shopping more.

As a matter of fact, not 2 weeks ago I realized that I could no longer log in to one of my credit card accounts to pay the bill. I called. I was notified that my card had been locked because of suspicious activity. They were right. I had not used the card in a long time. However, someone tried to use it for 2 transactions worth $330! Thankfully they caught it.

Identity theft and fraudulent transactions are just a couple of the issues that families have to encounter when using the Internet from day to day. And kids and teens may not be aware of all of the dangers. This is where parents come in.

 

Here are 5 Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe Online During the Winter

Talk to your kids about online safety and security

One big part of making sure that your kids are safe online is education. Talk to them about social networks. Which ones are they allowed to use? What should they alert you to right away? What should they stay away from? My kids will often come to me with their phones if they get suspicious text messages, or even if the phone rings and they do not recognize the number.

You should also talk to your kids about the importance of not engaging in online chats with people that they do not know. And they should know to notify you right away if anyone sends them an inappropriate message.

Kids should also know not to click on any ads that pop up in their browsers. And they should never fill out any forms or sign up for anything without talking to you first.

 

And another big thing that I have talked to teens about before… they need to know that things that they put online can and will come back to haunt them. We live in a world where everyone is quick to record everything, quick to post a photo, and will say just about anything online because they think they are safe hiding behind a keyboard. Of course this is not true. In recent years, more people are losing jobs because of inappropriate tweets and Facebook posts. Kids need to know that even though they are kids, things that they put online can potentially hang around forever and become visible to future schools and employers. Because of this they need to be smart, responsible Internet users. Do not put anything at all online that you would not want your parents to see.

While we trust that educating our kids will do that trick, they are still kids. Let’s face it… kids are curious creatures. And they are not always honest with us. It is up to us to trust that they will do the right thing, but just in case, we need to have backups in place to protect them.

 

Install a Reliable Router

Routers have come a long way. These days routers include parental controls and ways to block inappropriate content from getting into your household. Do your research, read online reviews and choose a router that fits your household. A good router will likely not be the $50 one in Walmart. If you want one that will last for a while, provide a strong signal, and protect your household from hackers and other risky things, you will have to spend more.

 

Enable Parental Controls

As mentioned above, routers do come with parental controls. However, they are not always foolproof. And if your kids turn off the WiFi on their mobile device and instead use 4G, they are bypassing the router in your home. Because of this, and depending on the age of your kids you may want to install parental controls directly on each device. What you use will depend on whether it is a Windows PC, Apple computer, iOS device, or Android device. But, there is something out there for all.

Trend Micro Maximum Security offers a complete solution that will protect your devices from multiple threats. It offers protection against ransomware, websites that steal personal data, inappropriate content, and more. For only $49.95 you can connect up to 10 devices in your home. Even if your family has a mix of devices, you are covered. The protection works with Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.

 

Be Sure all Computers in Your Home Have Up-to-date Virus Protection

Viruses are one of the leading causes of computers going nuts. Windows PCs can be particularly vulnerable. In my post, 10 Things to Do When Your Windows PC Behaves Badly I gave you some great tips for cleaning up a computer once you realize that it has slowed down and something is wrong. However, you want to protect it before that happens. Trend Micro Maximum Security is an awesome solution that protects against everything mentioned above and it also protects against viruses. Keep in mind that slowness is not the only issue that viruses or malware cause. A truly bad virus can wipe out data, steal your sensitive information, or make your computer truly unusable. Head over to the Trend Micro site to read more and learn how to protect yourself.

 

Schedule Offline Time for Family Fun

The less time your family spends online, the less likely they are to encounter inappropriate content, viruses and malware. In this digital world, some may spend too much time staring at screens. This can cause eye problems, neck problems, and a disconnect from your family. To combat this some families band mobile devices at the dinner table. Others schedule time once a week to play family games, or have an outing. Whatever you decide to do, do it as a family and embrace being together. You can also use this time to chat with your children and ask questions about what they have been encountering online.

TREND MICRO IS GIVING ONE READER A $200 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Trend Micro hopes that you will look to their Internet Safety for Kids and Families site to get helpful info on how to protect your family from computer threats. In order to help you celebrate staying safe this season they is giving one reader a $200 Amazon gift card. Use it towards holiday shopping, to get a new device, or whatever you need! Enter to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Trend Micro. All opinions are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Jerry Marquardt

    I am in great need of a nice new bicycle to get my nephew for his birthday. This prize would help out in doing such.

    Reply

  28. Carolyn Daley

    I would use the gift card towards Christmas presents including Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on Blu-Ray, a Pack N’ Play, and Legos.

    Reply

  34. Stella Methvin

    Baby stuff for my pregnant daughter. Her and her Hubs have not gotten anything as they are looking for a place to rent

    Reply

  38. Sharon Braswell

    Thanks So much for the tips! I could really use this for Thanksgiving and Christmas, food and gifts! Thank you!!

    Reply

  55. Stephanie Phelps

    I will use it to get my granddaughter toys and clothes for Christmas! I think a rocking horse would be amazing for her!

    Reply

  62. bgary

    Not sure I like to find my new kitchen countertop small appliances there. I love that they are now making things in red my favorite color.

    Reply

  72. disqus_l7uUNjCwpe

    I would definitely find use for this for Christmas gifts etc. I love Amazon, thank you for the opportunity! 🙂

    Reply

  94. Maria Beas De Bonilla

    If I get very lucky to win this amazing giveaway, I would definitely buy diapers for my newborn. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply

  98. Kim ONeill

    Every december we pick names of who to buy for and i would use this to buy a gift on amazon for one of my family members.

    Reply

  100. elizabeth m

    My 12 year old is super into photography and the one thing she really wants for Christmas is a nice camera (hers is kind of junky) so, I would use this towards getting her a decent camera.

    Reply

  115. Mickie Hinds

    I would use this gift card to work on my baby’s nursery! I am expecting in early March and haven’t even begun to start purchasing nursery items.

    Reply

  116. Renee Townsend

    I’m an avid amazon user. I’d probably use it for household supplies and maybe grab a few books for my son and me.

    Reply

  132. Angie S

    Either a little help for Christmas shopping or school books for the upcoming spring semester. Christmas shopping would be much more fun though 😉

    Reply

  133. elizabeth porter

    I think its so amazing what your doing, I know this would be a blessing to get my kiddos something this Christmas. I am sure everyone has their struggles and stories. May God bless all and have a Merry Christmas

    Reply

  144. Stephanie Shipley

    I would use it to get a twin bed for my mom. Due to her health, she just moved in with me and is currently using my bed and I am sleeping on the couch.

    Reply

  153. Anne Higgins

    From a new shower curtain and towels, to a pair of running shoes and Christmas gifts for the grandkids – this prize will be a great dent to the beginning of my shopping spree. Thanks

    Reply

  176. Gina M (Wild Orchid)

    I would use it towards household items and pantry goods!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  185. Andie Nemeth

    I would use the gift card to buy diapers and toys for my son due in January. Thank you for the safety tips, so many great ones I will definitely be using!

    Reply

  236. Natalie Schilla

    I am due with my second baby in December so I would use it for a few things for her and christimas presents for my son.

    Reply

  250. Laurajj

    Oh I would love to use this for a school tablet. They have them doing work on some programs at home, and a little tablet would be perfect for him to do his school work. They have such great information on their website. I always worry about safety and security online for my family. You hear such horrible stories.

    Reply

  320. Chrissy R.

    I would use my gift card for Christmas presents and also to probably splurge on a cute pair of boots I’ve had my eye on for a while!

    Reply

  322. Beth Solzsmon-Carpenter

    I have five sons, so yeah, I’d certainly use it towards Christmas! Thanks for the opportunity! My fingers are crossed!

    Reply

  323. Christina O'Connor

    Hi! I am also in Chicagoland. Just north in Evanston! I would use the gift card to buy a gift for my hard working husband for Christmas. He has been supporting all 5 of us this year while I finish up my bachelor’s degree. He keeps telling me not to get him anything, but I want to! 🙂

    Reply

  329. sksweeps

    I’d get a tracking/notification device so that I’d feel safer on walks by myself.
    sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

    Reply

  333. mommyto2girlz

    I would put it towards gifts for my girls. I would get some boots, makeup stuff and earrings for my girls. Thank you!

    Reply

  337. Kelly Tupick

    I would use this to get my daughter a laptop for Christmas. It’s something she really wants and i would love to be able to gift that to her.

    Reply

  357. Mary Beth Elderton

    BOth my kids have December birthdays…the Christmas, of course. I’m glad to have read these tips on security–I just had a similar conversation with my DIL and will pass on this info. Thanks.

    Reply

  360. Noelle Carroll

    I would absolutely use this for Christmas, we have two little ones and a big extended family we like to buy for, nieces and nephews and such, so this would be a tremendous blessing!

    Reply

  362. Julie Wood

    I got laid off from my job, and I would use it to buy my kids Christmas Gifts for the Holidays. Thanks for such a awesome giveaway!

    Reply

  367. msrodeobrat

    I would use it towards some baby items we still need for our first baby due in a few weeks!
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
    Ashley C

    Reply

  377. tannawings

    I would use the card to buy (or put towards) a new laptop. I have been on a desktop for awhile and it is driving me nuts.
    ellen beck

    Reply

  379. kathy bergman

    I would use it to buy Christmas gifts with, as I am on disability, I am on a fixed, low income. This would really help out so much. That’s so much for this chance.

    Reply

  383. Starla

    These are such great tips and they are so important! I would use this for a few college books that I will need for Spring Semester for my nursing degree! So helpful because books totally add up- even used! xo

    Reply

  387. Kyra Cobb

    Thank you for writing this. I’ve increased my online shopping transactions. I sometimes forget the issues that can occur for not being diligent in protecting myself.

    Reply

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