Important information pertaining to the Equifax data breach…

Family Life

Parents & Educators Tips

DID YOU KNOW?

• 95% of parents think it is necessary to talk about online security risks and behaviors with their children, but only 65% have had the “Internet talk”.
• 68% of teens surveyed say that they have downloaded a program or software without their parent’s permission.
• One in five U.S. teenagers who regularly log on to the Internet say they have received an unwanted sexual solicitation via the Web and only about 25% tell a parent or adult about it.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR PROTECTING KIDS

• Create an open and honest environment with kids.
• Start conversations regularly about practicing online safety.
• Emphasize the concept of credibility to teens: not everything they see on the Internet is true and people on the Internet may not be who they appear to be.
• Watch for changes in behavior- if you child suddenly avoids the computer- it may be a sign they are being bullied online.
• Review security settings and privacy policies for the websites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU

• Cybersecurity Awareness Volunteer Education Program (C-SAVE)
  The National Cybersecurity Alliance developed the C-SAVE program that is accessible online at staysafeonline.org/in-the-classroom/c-save. There are age-appropriate resources to discuss Internet safety in the classroom or an assembly with all students.

• OnguardOnline.gov
  This website, run by the Federal Trade Commission, is a one-stop shop for online safety resources available to parents, educators, kids, and others.

• Cybertipline.com
  The Congressionally-mandated CyberTipline, which is part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), receives online child solicitation reports 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Submit an online report or call 1-800-843-5678.

• Staysafeonline.org
  The National Cyber Security Alliance offers instruction on security updates, free antivirus software, malware software removal, and other services.

IF YOU OR A CHILD IS A VICTIM OF ONLINE CRIME

• Notify your local authorities and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.
• If you think a site has collected information from your kids or marketed to them in a way that violates the law, report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/compliant.
• If someone has had inappropriate contact with your child, or a child you know, report it to http://www.cybertipline.com and the police.