In a world where kids are computer savvy, parents can find themselves unprepared for threats from malicious intruders that lurk in the shadows of the internet. Establishing smart cyber security habits is essential for kid’s safety and their overall well-being.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is NETGEAR Cyber Security?
In addition to smart habits and a safety-first approach to online activities, you can use the NETGEAR Armor fully encrypted WPA2 or WPA3 security solutions. The average home today contains dozens of WiFi-enabled devices, and NETGEAR Armor can protect all devices on your home network from hackers and other online intrusions. NETGEAR Armor is available for Orbi Mesh Systems and Nighthawk routers, offering advanced protection for your connected devices. You should also include NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls for home WiFi content filtering. NETGEAR Orbi whole-home mesh WiFi systems can be set up hassle-free using the handy Orbi app.
Balancing children's screen time
Recent studies show that kids aged between 8 to 10 spend an average of 6 hours every day connected to the internet, and older kids spend even more time online.
Limiting screen time is vital for the digital safety of family members and can have positive outcomes for both physical and mental health. Limiting screen time doesn’t mean depriving them of their computers, laptops, iPads, and other mobile devices such as iPhones. It’s all about finding the right balance between online activities and school, work, or play.
Effective strategies to manage and limit kids’ time online
Whether dual-band, tri-band, or quad-band, WiFi can be superfast for video streaming, conferencing, gaming, virtual reality, and more. The potential of WiFi networks is huge, and the technology is constantly improving, making it imperative to establish the best possible safety protocols for your family. Here are some strategies to help you and your kids find the right lifestyle balance.
Here are some effective strategies to help manage and limit screen time:
- Establish tech-free zones where screens are not allowed in certain areas of the home. This will give you the opportunity to spend quality time with your kids and ensure everyone in the household gets a restful sleep.
- Create a screen time Schedule that allocates specific hours for education, recreation, and complete tech downtime. This will help kids understand boundaries and regulate their behaviour. It also assists parents to monitor their children’s screen time effectively without being intrusive..
- Create a Screen Time Schedule: Draft a weekly screen time schedule that allocates specific hours for educational content, recreational use, and complete tech downtime. It not only helps children understand boundaries but also assists parents in monitoring their children’s screen time effectively.
Following these tips can ensure children’s internet time is productive and limited, safeguarding their well-being in the digital age.
Navigating social media and avoiding strangers online
Many parents worry about their kids’ devices and their involvement on social platforms. Despite platforms setting minimum age requirements for registration, younger children often find their way in. Using unsecured internet runs the risk of exposing children to mature content, cyberbullying, scams, and potential predators.
Here’s what parents should discuss with their kids about internet safety.
- Ensure accounts are set to private to avoid online intrusions.
- Periodically review and adjust privacy settings as required.
- Use strong and unique passwords.
- Educate your kids about the dangers of sharing personal details (photos, addresses, etc.)
- Stay alert to online activity and report any suspicious anomalies immediately.
- Discuss cyberbullying and the importance of reporting online harassment.
- Encourage a positive digital footprint without sharing inappropriate media or engaging with strangers.
Online safety for children extends beyond screen time limits and social media navigation. Take the time to educate your kids (and yourself) about phishing, malware, and social engineering tactics that can compromise privacy. Encourage kids to seek your permission before downloading any apps and programs and show them how to spot red flags that are indicative of scams or malicious intent.
Is the internet secure enough for my kids?
Today’s WiFi routers, modems, WiFi mesh-systems, smartphones, and other devices are more powerful and capable than ever. The transformative potential of the internet is ever-increasing, but with advancements come opportunities for scammers and bad actors both locally and internationally. Fortunately, NETGEAR WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7 devices come with built-in security applications and protected firmware. Premium NETGEAR routers are considered among the safest on the market.
The All-in-One Solution: NETGEAR Armor
For comprehensive cyber security for parents and families, consider NETGEAR Armor.
NETGEAR Armor is a one-stop safety solution for kids across all platforms. Install Bitdefender Armor protection on devices in your home network, guest network, and smart home IoT network, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
NETGEAR Armor comes pre-installed on Orbi Mesh Systems or and Nighthawk Routers.. Simply activate your subscription from the Orbi or Nighthawk app and start enjoying real-time, all-in-one protection for your entire family.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe, NETGEAR Armor Team
