The emergence of technology caters to make lives easier. However, online thieves take advantage of these advancements, targeting people who are easily gullible and unaware of how the internet works. Digital literacy is an essential thing to be taught to every individual in order for them to wisely maximize the possibilities of the internet. Hence, this blog serves as a guide for parents to teach their children how to avoid scamming incidents and for them to independently protect themselves from online harm. 

1. Activate Parental Controls on Your Device

Children can be a little adventurous at times, especially when it comes to exploring new things. Setting up parental controls on all your devices helps prevent children from clicking malicious links and engaging with phishing sites as they browse through the web.

2. Practice Open Communication in the Family

It is essential to engage your kids in conversations that tackle the dangers of the internet. Warn them about what these dangers are and educate them on what to do once they have encountered fraudulent sites. Introduce to them the concept of trust — when and when not to give it.

Discuss with them the things that they cannot share with anyone, not even their friends, but only with their parents. Examples of these information are PINs, passwords, bank account numbers, and the like.

3. Introduce the 6 Protective Measures Against Online Scams

Through using acronyms such as the ABCs, children are most likely to remember what you teach! 

Always Think Before you Speak and/or Click

Whenever you enter websites or engage in calls that require you to input your personal information, think twice before doing so. For instance, legitimate banks would never ask for your account information, especially your PIN, over the phone. 

Browse the Internet Safely

One of the easiest ways on how to tell if someone is scamming you online is by using protective-browsing services that could be found on the internet. 

Check the Website 

Fraudulent websites commonly have questionable interfaces, designs, and link addresses. Once you notice that something does not sit right, leave the page right away

TIP: Download this ‘Safety Indicators’ checklist to guide you on how to determine whether website links are trustworthy or not.

Dump the Spam Calls 

Setting up your phone’s privacy by blocking malicious spam calls is one way on how to stop scammers from calling

Enable a Protective Software on  All of Your Devices

Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your phones, tablets, and computers shield you from malware and cybercrime incidents. This anti-theft software can also detect the presence of harmful programs inside your devices.

 Fast Action is Key

In case you become a victim of these online scams, immediately report it to both your local and national authorities. In the instance of bank-related scams, you may reach out and report the incident to the bank’s provided contact details. 

 Online Safety Should be Practiced Daily! 

Learning starts at home. Teach your kids how to independently protect themselves from fraudulent motives online!

Cybercrime activities are very rampant nowadays. Given that online media and technology is an important part of people’s lives, it is important to make time for family discussions that tackle how to avoid online scams, as well as how to stop scammers from calling or bugging you.

Internet thieves act fast, but parents should act faster and smarter. Technology brings both benefits and dangers to mankind. Hence, it is important to guide children on how to avoid scams as they slowly venture into the world of online media.

This youth’s generation would be the ones to fully maximize and improve the technology we know today. Therefore, parents should teach them how to be technologically wise and responsible citizens!

Safety should be your family’s utmost priority, so never forget to use the internet wisely!

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