Funny Ways to Teach Your Children Basic Cybersecurity Skills
In today’s world, our children have to learn how to navigate the internet safely sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, research shows that 27% of children 7-17 years old have encountered harmful content online.
The good thing is that teaching them about cybersecurity doesn’t have to be dull for them, it can be a blast! Without further ado, let’s explore some creative ways to help your kids stay safe and enjoy all the advantages of the internet without falling for its dangers.
1. Cybersecurity: superhero training time
Cybersecurity can become a thrilling adventure if you go to superheroes. Tell them that superheroes train in a special program and that they can be part of it. Give each kid a role, like a “password protector” or “antivirus hero.”
This way, you can teach them things like how to create a strong password or how to identify suspicious emails.
2. Get them apps and other interactive digital games
Get educational games and fun apps, many of which are designed to teach kids about digital safety.
Remember, Internet communication comprised 32.04 percent of kids' online visits via iOS, followed closely by Android at 32 percent, and Windows with just over 30 percent, so they’re probably familiar with the mechanics of an app or game.
3. Family cybersecurity workshops
If you have children with age gaps between them, you can create a workshop and explore cybersecurity together.
Talk about the most common threats and how to recognize them, practice safety measures according to each child’s developmental stage, and cultivate a trusting environment with everyone.
If you’re still doubtful, you can get a VPN like Surfshark and teach them how to use it.
4. Storytelling moments
We all love stories, but kids enjoy them especially. Bedtime stories can hold their attention for a long time, and they will remember the plot and characters the following night.
This means that you can create a narrative about preventing and overcoming online challenges, with hackers as the villains and them as the heroes, and you can even ask them how to fix the problem to solve the story’s tension.
Remember, 12 million children in the US are exposed to cyber risks, and 9 million are affected by cyberbullying. You can tackle all these problems just by telling them captivating stories every night.
To sum up
Parents have the responsibility to take care of their children, preparing them for the world outside the home. Nowadays, this includes the digital world as well as the real one.
The good news is that this can become an enjoyable experience, strengthening your bond with your kids in positive ways. Don’t be afraid to get creative to teach them about their digital safety. It’s very important, and they will thank you as they grow older.
