In today’s digital age, a crucial aspect of personal well-being is navigating the online world safely. Safer Internet Day (SID), is a global initiative aimed at promoting a safer and more responsible use of digital technology, reminding us about the importance of online safety. Safer Internet Day encourages users worldwide to raise awareness and explore ways to protect themselves from online dangers. In this blog, we will highlight three essential methods to stay safe online;
- Protect your personal information.
- Think before you share.
- Digital well-being.
Method 1: Protect Your Personal Information
Sharing personal information online can have serious consequences. To safeguard your privacy, here are a few key guidelines to follow:
- Strong Passwords: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters when creating passwords. Avoid using common phrases, names, or easily guessable details.
- Privacy Settings: Regularly review the privacy settings on your social media accounts, ensuring that only people you trust have access to your personal information. Be cautious when accepting friend requests from unfamiliar individuals.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attacks: Beware of suspicious emails, text messages, or pop-ups requesting personal or financial information. Avoid clicking on unknown links and never share sensitive details through unsecured channels.
Method 2: Think Before You Share
In a world where sharing information is second nature, it is important to exercise caution before sharing anything online. Consider the following steps:
- Be Selective with social media: Only accept friend requests or follow individuals you know and trust. Think twice before sharing personal details, pictures, or location information. Remember, once posted, it may be challenging to undo or remove content.
- Privacy Check for Apps: Review the privacy settings and permissions for the apps you use. Understand what data the app can access and think about whether it is necessary for the app to collect that information.
- Be Mindful of Digital Footprint: Be aware that the content you share online leaves a permanent mark, affecting your professional and personal life in the long run. Review and manage your digital footprint consistently to maintain a positive online presence.
Method 3: Digital Well-being and Online Etiquette
Ensuring a safe online experience involves not only protecting yourself but also maintaining a positive digital environment. Here are a few ways to promote digital well-being and practice good online etiquette:
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can negatively impact mental health and well-being. Establish healthy boundaries and take regular breaks from digital devices.
- Be Kind Online: Treat others with respect and empathy. Avoid cyberbullying or engaging in any form of online harassment. Report and block individuals who exhibit abusive behaviour.
- Critical Thinking: Develop digital literacy skills to discern informational accuracy and reliability. Think critically before sharing or spreading unverified news, rumours, or misinformation.
How does Bromcom promote Cyber Safety?
1 – Data securely on the cloud – Unlike legacy MIS solutions which are stored on individual machines, Bromcom MIS is fully cloud based, meaning databases are kept up to date and system backups run in real time.
2 – Roles and permissions – The data visible to staff within Bromcom, is entirely dictated by which roles and permissions they are assigned. Personal data, medical information or contact details can be hidden or made accessible by Bromcom administrators.
3 – IP based restrictions – Should a school wish to, they can implement IP based restrictions within Bromcom. This allows them to limit or outright prevent access to their Bromcom database from specific IP addresses, ensuring sensitive data can only be accessed at school or during work hours.
4 – Safeguarding and Behaviour logging – Among its plethora of features, Bromcom MIS offers its users the option log Behaviour and Safeguarding incidents/concerns, including Safeguarding Alerts which directly notify designated users or Safeguarding practitioners when assigned.
5 – Parental Engagement – Through our award-winning parent portal, MyChildAtSchool, parents have a window into the school lives of their children. MCAS provides visibility over the following information: Attendance, Behaviour, Timetable, Clubs & Trips, Reports and much more. Bromcom also harnesses Push Notifications to provide real time correspondence straight to parent’s devices.
Conclusion:
On Safer Internet Day, we are reminded of the importance of staying safe online. By following the methods discussed, protecting your personal information, thinking before sharing, and promoting digital well-being and online etiquette, you can navigate the online world safely. Remember, your digital well-being starts with being mindful of your actions and promoting a respectful online environment for everyone.
Parents and guardians looking to improve their child’s safety through Parental Controls, can refer to the following NSPCC article – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/
The following article also includes valuable information for young children to keep them safe online – https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/top-tips-for-young-people
AI supported the creation of this original content*
