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The internet is a truly fantastic place, as it allows us to connect with family and friends near and far and help us see our grandkids’ faces even when they are hundreds of miles away. (Need I mention online shopping and one or two-day delivery?)
While a lot of good comes from the internet, there are also some bad, as not every website is appropriate, and there are some not-so-good people out there looking to scam or harm others. How is a Grandma supposed to stay safe? More importantly, how do we keep our grandkids safe on the internet?
To help you navigate these often murky waters, I have compiled a list of the 13 online dangers every grandma should know for grandkids – and herself:
1. Phishing scams
Fishing is a good and wholesome pastime that dates back to the dawn of man. Phishing, on the other hand, is anything but, as phishing scams trick individuals into giving away personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. They often look like legitimate emails or messages from a business you recognize, so always be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links!
Use the general rule of thumb: if you aren’t sure, then DON’T do anything!
2. Cyberbullying
This one may apply more to your grandkids than it does to you, but it is important to discuss, as it is online harassment that can be very damaging (especially to children and teens). Talk to your grandkids about cyberbullying and encourage them to report any instances of it.
With the rise of new social media platforms like TikTok and studies that have shown a large percentage of children find themselves feeling sad over the pressures, it’s never been more important to stay in tune with what they’re doing on their devices.
3. Identity theft
Thieves can steal personal information shared online to impersonate individuals and commit fraud. To combat this, regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity, and remind your grandkids never to share personal information online. (The latter is a good rule of thumb in general, as this will keep your grandkids’ safer!)
Setting up two factor authentication on all of your accounts can help you avoid a world of problems.
4. Inappropriate content
The internet can expose children to inappropriate content, such as violence, hate speech, or adult content. As someone who has accidentally stumbled upon this kind of stuff online by simply typing in the wrong URL, keeping my grandkids shielded from inappropriate content is an absolute must. Utilize parental controls on your grandkids’ devices and supervise their internet usage and encourage their parents to do the same.
Here’s a good resource: Family Guide to Parental Controls
5. Online predators
Online predators use the internet to exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children, for abusive purposes. It is absolutely VITAL to teach your grandkids to be wary of strangers online and to never share personal information with people they don’t know in real life.
6. Malware and viruses
Malware and viruses can infect your devices, causing them to slow down, malfunction, or compromise your data. To minimize the risk, regularly update your antivirus software and encourage your grandkids to avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
Once again, use the rule of thumb that if it looks at all risky, just stay away from it! No matter how convincing something might seem.
7. Online gaming risks
Playing games online – whether it be on the phone, computer, or gaming system – is all the rage, but it comes with a slew of potential issues. Online games can expose players to inappropriate content or interactions with strangers, so be sure to monitor your grandkids’ gaming and encourage them to use privacy settings to restrict who can communicate with them.
8. Catfishing
Sadly, catfishing is a huge problem in the senior community, so be extra vigilant, Grandma! Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online profile to trick others into forming relationships. Be wary of online friendships or relationships, especially those that progress too quickly or where the other person refuses to meet in person.
You have probably experienced this if you’re on Facebook. There are so many scammers out there, so if someone you don’t know reaches out, do NOT accept them. If it’s someone you think you know, you can always pick up the phone and ask them if they sent a request too – just to be safe.
9. Scam shopping sites
Not every online shopping site is legitimate. Some are set up to collect payment information fraudulently, so always look for secure and reputable sites when making online purchases. (Or, if you are like me, just stick to Amazon 😉
10. Social media privacy
Improper privacy settings on social media can expose personal information and posts to the public or malicious individuals. Regularly review your privacy settings and teach your grandkids about the importance of online privacy. A great place to begin this practice is via Facebook, which offers a step-by-step guide that can be found here.
11. Data harvesting
Some websites and apps collect user data for advertising purposes, which can infringe on your privacy. ALWAYS be wary of free apps and always read the privacy policies before using a new app or website.
9 times out of 10 this won’t be a problem, and I am not trying to scare you. Just be alert.
12. Digital footprint
If you post something you regret, you can easily delete and forget about it… right? Sadly, no. In fact, every online interaction leaves a digital footprint that can be traced back. Teach your grandkids about the importance of thinking before they post, as their online behavior can have real-world consequences.
Usually, if you just make sure to not post or type anything you wouldn’t want seen by the wrong person, you’ll be good to go.
13. Fake news and misinformation
The internet can be a breeding ground for false information, which can lead to confusion and harmful actions. When it doubt, think critically and do a little more research to either verify or debunk what you have read – and encourage your grandkids to do the same!
Conclusion
While the internet does pose some risks, with the right knowledge and precautions, it’s still a great tool for staying connected with loved ones and learning new things. After all, it’s how you found this list :P! Stay safe, and happy browsing, my fellow Grandma!
