How to Protect Children from Cybercrime, How to Overcome Cyberbullying

Children like to spend time playing online games, use social networking sites, indulge with friends, etc. Moreover, smartphones have made access to online shopping, playing games, etc., like tasks quite simpler. However, the use of cyberspace gave birth to cybercrimes and we should know how to protect children from cybercrime.

Children are quite susceptible as they have a limited understanding of cyber threats. They don’t even know how to safeguard themselves from such threats. Children are curious to know several things and technology. Though experimenting is an amazing way to learn new things it is also important that children are properly guided to protect themselves from the adverse problems of cyber technology. It is seen that cybercrime in adolescence is increasing day by day. This blog will give complete information about cybercrimes in children.

What are cybercrimes: In the simplest language, cybercrime is defined as the offense made by organizations, individuals, institutions through computer technology. In most cases, cybercriminals target the platforms like emails, chat rooms, social networking sites, etc to attack their prey. Cyber attacks are aimed at stealing personal information like passwords, addresses, bank information, and so on. Cybercriminals have expertise in creating a fake profiles, etc. Thus, be precautious and vigilant when it is to safeguard against cybercrimes.

Impact of Cyber Threats:

Cyber threats can affect anybody’s life. Several ways can be used to attack. A hacker is someone who uses technology for affecting reputation in business, cause monetary loss, etc. It can be for personal rivalry as well. Hackers primarily use viruses/malware or Trojans to attack your computer and seek access to your computer. The motive of cybercriminals is to acquire unauthorized access to your sensitive/personal information. In maximum possible cases, the cybercriminals use highly effective methods

Common Ways used by cybercriminals:

• Email Spoofing: The first and the most way used by cybercriminals is to use email spoofing. The emails created by them look genuine and sent via trusted email ID but the situation is completely different.
• Social Engineering: Cybercriminals use this unique technique to win your confidence to avail information from you. First, they make out what you like the most and after that, they interact with you and cause you harm. For instance, you like to play an online game and an impersonator behaves like another child, invites you to interact with him and share info. This way, your information gets easily leaked.
• Malevolent Applications: Another way is to send malicious and bad applications via direct messaging, gaming, emails or websites, etc. to get access to your smartphone and personal data.
• Make out the Theft: The intentional use of somebody’s identity for monetary benefits or to acquire other benefits in the other person’s name/for loss or profit.
• Cyber Bullying: It is a sort of harassment or bullying caused via electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, laptops, and so on.
• Job Frauds: Any deceptive activity from an employee towards the employer.
• Banking Frauds: Deceitfully obtaining money by posing as a bank person or some other financial institution.

Cyber Bullying:

Cyberbullying is the most common threat faced by children. It is not only children or adolescents who get impacted by this, but even others can also become easy victims of cyberbullying. You should know how to protect children from cybercrime.

Cyberbullying exactly means making use of the internet or mobile technology to harass or bully someone. Such people send rude, mean, hurtful messages, videos, comments/images. In addition to this, they also use text messages, emails, social media platforms, chat rooms, and related sources to bully.

Initially, when someone does any of these activities, you don’t understand. Because cyberbullying is performed by a known person relative or an unknown person. Cyberbullying includes threats, hurtful messages, spreading rumors, and so on.

Children are badly affected by cyberbullying. The effects can be emotional, mental, physical, and even psychological. It affects them academically to a large extent.

Ways to protect from cyberbullying:

• Avoid accepting friend requests from unknown people on social media.
• Cyberbully create a fake accounts to make friends on social networking sites. Thus, add only those people whom you know offline too.
• Avoid sharing personal information such as date of birth, address, and contact number on social media or via other online platforms.
• Make use of privacy settings on social media platforms to choose the persons with whom you want to share your posts.
• Restrict the access of your profile to your friends only.
• Beware of installing unwanted software and Apps from unknown sources.
• Chat carefully in a chat room and ensure not to share personal information in the chat room.
• Do not react aggressively to somebody’s post. This may encourage the bully to post such hurtful messages again and again. On the contrary, you can politely tell them not to post such messages.
• Also, keep in mind that you should not share embarrassing, hurtful, or pain-giving messages, pictures, and videos. Do not become cyberbullied as it is a punishable act.

Other Articles:

• Bad Effects of Mobile Phones on Children
• Watching Cartoons – Good or Bad for Children, Negative & Positive Effects
• How Shortage of Open Spaces and Playground Hampering Child’s Growth?
• Top 5 Ways to Encourage Good Habits in Children

Are you a victim of Cyberbullying? See, what can be done:

• If you get a tiny hint that you are a victim of cyberbullying, do not hide from your elders, in fact, they will support and intervene in this context. Check the suggestions that can be helpful in such a situation:
• Inform your Trusted Elders: In case, you are facing cyber buying, quickly inform your trusted elders such as parents or siblings. Don’t feel that your parents will restrict your online activities they will be happy to help you. It’s important to share your bad experience with them.
• Find Out the bully: Try to find the bully and the reason behind bothering you. A bully can be anyone, your friend, a known person, etc. Be on the safer side, take the help of your family, friends, or even from teachers.
• Use the Block option: If you find a bully on social media platforms then block him/her. Almost all social networking apps or services have the option to block the user.
• Keep the track of posts used against you: Most importantly, save the messages/posts used against you. You can use such messages/posts as evidence if you are planning to take legal action.
• Avoid being Aggressive: A bully always wants you to be aggressive but you should remain calm and do not write an aggressive comment. It’s better to block the person immediately.
• In case, your trusted grown-ups such as friends or family, feel the need for police involvement, do not hesitate in lodging a complaint.

Conclusion:

Children like to spend time playing online games, use social networking sites, indulge with friends, etc. However, the use of cyberspace gave birth to cybercrimes. Children are quite susceptible as they have a limited understanding of cyber threats. We should know now how to protect children from cybercrime.