Safe Internet Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With kids spending more time online, keeping them safe has never been more important. 

Technology is part of daily life, from apps and social media to online games and digital learning, but it also brings risks. 

The Better Business Bureau encourages parents to take an active role in protecting their children’s online safety.

Monitoring what children are doing online is key. Checking the apps, websites, and social media accounts they use helps parents identify potential risks. 

Contests, giveaways, and suspicious links often collect personal information and can lead to scams or identity theft. 

Supervising children while they navigate online spaces reduces the chances of accidental exposure.

Teaching children about privacy settings, creating strong passwords, and managing location tracking builds lifelong safe digital habits. 

Parents can explain why personal information should be protected, who might see online posts, and how oversharing can lead to risks. 

Simple habits, like reading privacy policies together and understanding app permissions, empower children to make safer choices.

Keeping devices updated and using security features such as two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection. 

Regularly updating software, antivirus programs, and operating systems helps block malware, phishing, and other cyber threats. 

Even simple actions, like deleting unused apps and reviewing device settings, contribute to a safer online environment.

By taking these steps, monitoring activity, teaching privacy, and securing devices, families can reduce risks and foster safe online habits. 

What children share online can last a lifetime, so guiding them today ensures a safer digital future.