Lesson 4: The Dos and Donts

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

As you have read, there are many risks and threats targeting children online. Now, ask yourself, “How can I protect my child’s online safety?” Here are some guidelines:

1. Do not post or share embarrassing stories, images, or videos as it can harm the child’s self-esteem, and it can be used for CSAM

2. Do not post or share personal details such as birthdays, location, school information, or a park you like visiting.

3. Do not post the same day as the picture; wait a couple of weeks.

4. If you want to post or share an image or video - it is recommended not to post the child’s face or any body parts of the child.

5. Parents and guardians should make sure their social media network setting is not public.

6. Parents and guardians need to stay informed about social media platforms. Understand the privacy and safety settings, ensuring they have it on their social media networks and always checking on it since social media platforms are constantly upgrading with changes. [1]

7. Parents should carefully consider the right age for their child to use social media. If they allow it before age 18, parents should have an open discussion and educate their children on how to stay safe online, be mindful of what they post, and not interact with strangers.

8. Parents should consider using a security software application on their child’s phone to monitor their email, social networks, and browsing history and filter inappropriate content. [1]

The below are examples of what to post and what not to post. The illustrations are AI-generated designs mixed with using Adobe Photoshop.

1. First Example: There are two baby posts; the DO shows only the head, and the caption states, “Welcome to the world!” The DON’T post shows the location of the hospital where the baby was born, the full name, and the birthdate.

2. Second Example: We have Little Johnny’s first soccer game. The DO has the child’s face, the name of the school, and the number all blurred out. The caption does not have his name in it. The DON’T has Little Johnny’s name of the school, his face showing, and his number.

3. Third Example: The DO is a picture of the waterpark with a short caption, “Beautiful day to be with the family.” The DON’T is a picture of a child with a bathing suit at the waterpark. The post has the location, and the caption states the child’s name and the name of the waterpark.

Though these examples may be harmless, it can cause damage to your child’s reputation, and it puts them at risk from perpetrators who would take and manipulate these images for their own benefit.

Always as yourself, “Is this worth posting?”