Most families I know use digital technology in every aspect of life, and my family is no exception. Anything from learning, to gaming, shopping, and even socializing is done online. I am constantly snapping cute pictures to share with friends and family, and I know my kids see me doing this and will want to do the same with their devices. With so much access and use of technology I do get concerned about making sure my kids are making safe decisions online.

While I really want to make sure my kids understand that there are dangers to going online, I also want them to know being safe online isn’t a scary concept. We can take some safeguards to make sure it is just an everyday part of what we do.

online hazard

How to #ShareAwesome online and stay safe!

National PTA has partnered with LifeLock to share awesome ways families can create an open, evolving conversation about positive, safe decisions when using digital tools.

Start a conversation with your family

Talk about ‘smart decision-making’ and ‘safe behaviors’ in everyday life, then consider how this translates digitally.

Some tips for staying safe online while socializing include:

  • Stick with age-appropriate sites or applications.
  • Learn how to control your privacy settings.
  • Make sure your usernames/screen names don’t give away too many personal details (name, age, address, city, etc.)
  • Know and follow the rules of sites and applications.
  • Never share passwords.
  • Never make plans to meet a stranger offline. Tell someone if a stranger makes that request.
  • Delete or block people who are not kind or cause you stress.
  • Put down the device when you are driving or walking.

Don’t forget these same tips apply when going online for learning and gaming, for shopping, and for supporting any causes. To find more great tips and resources check out the #ShareAwesome campaign presented by the National PTA and LifeLock.

#ShareAwesome and win!

“Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag!

Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship!”

My Share Awesome moment includes carving out time to spend with family, like when my mom and my daughter were bonding at the pool!

mom and baby

 

What’s your #ShareAwesome moment?

 

 

 

photo credit: Flickr, Intel Free Press

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.