CISA REPORT: Stop Think Connect
INTRODUCTION: Chatting with Kids About Being Online
The Internet offers a world of opportunities.
People of all ages are: posting video from mobile devices building online profiles texting each other from their mobile devices creating alter egos in the form of online avatars connecting with friends online they don’t see regularly in person sending photos to friends broadcasting what they’re doing to hundreds of people.
Stop Think Connect – These ways of socializing and communicating can be fulfilling and, yet, they come with certain risks:
Inappropriate conduct. The online world can feel anonymous. Kids sometimes forget that they are still accountable for their actions.
Inappropriate contact. Some people online have bad intentions, including bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers.
Inappropriate content. You may be concerned that your kids could find pornography, violence, or hate speech online. You can reduce these risks by talking to your kids about how they communicate—online and off— and encouraging them to engage in conduct they can be proud of. This guide covers what you need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online.
The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents.
Initiate conversations. Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don’t wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do—or not— in similar circumstances. News stories about Internet scams or cyberbullying, for example, also can help start a conversation with kids about their experiences and your expectations.
