5 things to teach your kids to protect them from online harm

Children are spending more time on the internet since classes were suspended amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

However, it's only gotten more dangerous online, with multiple online attacks occuring, from Zoom bombings to an electronic money heist.

Google has also detected a range of new scams taking advantage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

To protect our children from online harm, SaferKidsPH programme, a consortium composed of UNICEF, Save the Philippines, Asia Foundation, and the Australian Embassy, shared that it's best if they learn these tips to keep safe.

1. Don't share information online

Nino Lasin, the Child Protection Advocacy Officer of UNICEF Philippines, said kids should always remember not to share personal details to anyone they meet online or any social media platform, be it their phone number, credit card details, address, school name or location.

It's also important that kids don't share their passwords with anyone, not even their best friends.

"The only people who should know your password other than yourself are your parents or guardian," Lasin told GMA News Online.

2. Never agree to meet in person with someone you met online

Lasin advised parents to teach children never to meet with anyone they just met online.

"If someone asks to meet you, tell your parents or guardian right away. Some people may not be who they say they are," Lasin said.

Kids should also always remember that if someone makes an offer that is too attractive like getting rich or famous instantly, or meeting a celebrity, it's most probably a trap.

3. Don't respond to rude or inappropriate posts online

"Never respond to mean, nasty, suggestive or rude emails or posts," Lasin stressed.

If the person continuously posts inappropriate content, kids may need to unfriend or unfollow those accounts.

If they reply to the children in a way that makes them uncomfortable, it's better to not hang around and interact.

More importantly, Lasin said that kids should tell their parents or guardians immediately if the children see bad language, or inappropriate content online.

4. Don't download softwares or apps without telling parents

Children should first check with their parents or guardians before they download any app or software in their phone, tablet or computer.

Lasin said, "Some applications may be harmful to your devices and compromise your privacy."

5. Use privacy settings and always think carefully before posting content about yourself

Lasin advised kids to use the privacy settings on social media platforms and keep them as high as possible.

He also shared that children should learn to think carefully before posting any content about themselves online.

"Once you have uploaded a photo or video online, other people can see it and may be able to download it," Lasin said. "Never post inappropriate photos of anyone, including yourself, your family and friends."

—JCB, GMA News