Kids Vs Parents cyber awareness gap

With strong sales of Apple and Android devices* over Christmas, Intel Security is warning that this surge in household devices could also mean a heightened risk of security issues, as children bring their own devices into schools.

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend could see devices such as personal iPads and laptops being used in the classroom more and more – so Intel Security Cybermum, Sydney based mum-of-four Alex Merton-McCann, is encouraging parents to take an active interest in their child’s online activities this year.

With the recent Intel Security Tweens, Teens and Technology showing that 49% of children say their parents ‘can’t keep up with technology’ and a further 70% admitting that their parents ‘don't know the full extent of their online activity’, “now is the time for parents to get involved,” says Merton-McCann.

“If there was ever a reason for parental involvement in their kids digital world, it’s BYOD,” continued Merton-McCann.  

“BYOD means the school is no longer managing your child’s device and usage – it’s now you, the parent.  So, make sure you understand how the device works but far more importantly, understand how the Internet works.  Join the social networks your child uses, check out their favourite online games, start shopping and socialising online.  To be a good digital parent, you need to fully understand how the digital world works, so get started now,” said Merton-McCann.

Intel Security and partner, Life Education, recently visited an Australian school to pit parents against kids in a test of cyber and social media awareness:

http://intelsecurityapac.com/digitalsafety/2015/01/16/2015-back-to-school/ 

More highlights from the recent Teens, Tweens and Technology 2014 study from McAfee, part of Intel Security, which looked at the current habits of Australian teens and tweens (aged 8 – 17), highlighted further interesting information on the social culture of Australian youths:

• In 2014, YouTube replaced Skype as the number one social site across all age groups, with Facebook the most likely to be visited daily
• Facebook has seen a spike in underage users, with 31% of 8-9 year old and 60% of 10-12 year olds using the site despite the legal age being 13 (up from 26% in 2013)
• Nearly half (48%) have chatted online with or live tweeted someone they do not know (up from 19% in 2013)
• One in five (18%) has met someone in person that they first met online
• Online communication has developed a popularity contest: Over a quarter of teens and tweens (27%) feel more accepted on social media than in person and half (50%) feel more important and popular when they receive ‘likes’ on social posts
• A further 41% said that they wished that posts received more ‘likes’

The study also revealed alarming information about social media communication trends and behaviour:

• 81% of Australia’s youth have witnessed cyberbullying – up from 53% in 2013
• Nearly half of teens and tweens (43%) are currently experiencing cyberbullying
• 15% admit to having bullied others online
• A further 70% have purposely taken actions to hide what they do online from their parents (including clearing browser history, deleting posts and creating dummy profiles)

Taking an active role in providing cyber education to Australian children, Intel Security works in partnership with Life Education to include cyber content through its bCyberwise and It’s Your Call modules in Australian schools and to date has reached over 235,000 children since launching in 2013.

Merton-McCann offers the following advice to parents when undertaking the BYOD scheme:

1. Before you purchase make sure you understand whether there is a preferred platform in use at your child’s school e.g. Apple or Android.  Many schools will provide a list of recommended devices but if yours doesn’t, it’s best to ask before you spend on any technology
2. Understand what support, if any, is offered by the school.  Do kids have to troubleshoot problems themselves?  If there is no support on offer, I highly recommend parents (or an older sibling) investing time in understanding how the device works
3. Don’t buy a cellular device – a device that requires its own plan.  Not only are cellular plans expensive, it means your child will be able to access social media & other ‘taboo’ sites that most school networks will restrict
4. Learn about and understand tethering – a process that allows you to use your smartphone as a modem so you can connect another device to the Internet.  If your kids have a smartphone with data they can do this in a matter of seconds.  While this is a super handy feature, it means they could run up large bills and also have an unlimited internet searching experience – so make sure you fully investigate the options
5. Protection!  Always insure the device – no excuses.  It is also worth investing in comprehensive Internet security software.  McAfee’s LiveSafe will provide protection for all your devices (including mobile phones & tablets) from just $129.95 (www.livesafe.com)

“When BYOD is done well, it can be empowering for both the student and the school.  The student (and their family) takes charge’ of the technology by choosing and managing a device that best suits their needs.  This allows the school to focus on what they do best – engaging our kids and preparing them for our 21st Century world,” added Merton-McCann.

Alex Merton-McCann is available for interview – please let us know if you would be interested in speaking to her.

CONTENT:

To use the video online, please find a downloadable file here: http://intelsecurityapac.com/digitalsafety/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/01/IntelSecurity-DSP-Back-To-School_Full.zip 

Download an infographic about the Teens, Tweens and Technology research here: http://mcafeecybered.com/cybered/files/ISG_TweensTeensInfographic_2014.pdf 

To find out more information on Intel Security, and how Intel Security Digital Safety works with Life Education, visit www.intelsecurity.com and www.intelsecurityapac.com/digitalsafety

*Citi analyst Craig Woolford in an interview with ABC’s PM radio show January 7th 2015 http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3921772.htm