Malware Part 2: How to Manage the Risk of Infection of Your Childrens’ Devices

Living in a digital world with all of the available technology has its perks. We have opportunities to expand our knowledge, sometimes in real time, beyond the bounds of a specific geographic area. We are exposed more readily to different cultures and incredible opportunities to learn in different ways. From online learning to creative exploration, technology can empower, educate, and connect our children, including those who are differently abled, like never before. The key is finding the right balance between embracing these benefits and protecting ourselves and our children from the very real cybersecurity threats that can accompany them.

The Ways Technology Use Benefits Our Children

Unlike those of us who grew up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, children today can learn virtually anything with the click of a button or the press of a key. Online resources like National Geographic Kids, Khan Academy, and PBS Kids bring science, math, history, and storytelling to life in ways that weren’t possible generations ago. A curious child can instantly explore space, learn about animals, or master multiplication through self-directed, interactive games and videos, geared to their learning levels.

The availability of digital tools opens doors to new forms of creativity, enabling children to create digital drawings, compose music, produce videos, and even build apps or games using simple coding platforms like Scratch. With these tools, and encouragement from parents and teachers, the child who loves storytelling can create a digital comic book, complete with voiceovers, animations, and original characters.

Technology also helps children, friends, and families stay connected in an increasingly global world, through messaging apps, video chats, and online communities that provide opportunities to socialize and find support across geographic regions. Given that technology can adapt to each child’s pace, style, and abilities, the “playing field” for learning is more even for every child. Apps can identify strengths and weaknesses and adjust the presentation of the content accordingly, making learning more effective and less stressful.

Balancing Benefits with Safety: A Parent’s Role

Of course, all these benefits still come with risks. Children are naturally curious, and their lack of experience can make them more vulnerable to clicking dangerous links or downloading malware.

Here are some ways you as a parent can help protect your children without discouraging their exploration and learning:

1. Set Boundaries with Parental Controls: Use parental control tools on devices and Wi-Fi to limit what your child can access. Create age-appropriate filters for websites, apps, and search engines. Use features like Apple’s Screen Time or Google’s Family Link to monitor activity and manage downloads.
2. Talk Openly About Digital Dangers: Explain what malware is in simple, age-appropriate language. Encourage your child to tell you if they see pop-ups, strange links, or are asked to download something. Help them develop the habit of asking before installing new apps or clicking unfamiliar links.
3. Model Safe Online Behavior: Practice what you preach by using strong passwords. Don’t click suspicious links and explain your own choices when using technology. Let your children watch how you research a new app, evaluate its safety, and decide whether to download it.
4. Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: Balance screen time with offline play and conversation. Ban devices from the dinner table, and instead, encourage conversation. Encourage regular breaks from screens during the day and keep devices out of bedrooms at night.
5. Stay Involved in Their Digital Lives: Play the games they play. Watch the videos they watch. Ask them to show you what they’re learning or creating. Being engaged builds trust and provides insight into their online habits and exposure.
6. Keep Devices Secure: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all family devices. 
7. Configure Children’s Devices Appropriately: Use child accounts with limited permissions and keep systems updated to close security vulnerabilities.
8. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your child how to evaluate websites, question online offers, and recognize suspicious behavior. Help them understand that not everything online is true or safe.

Technology is a powerful tool for discovery, creativity, and growth, but like any tool, it must be used wisely. When parents stay informed and involved, they can create an environment where children enjoy the benefits of a tech-enabled life while recognizing the inherent pitfalls.