CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes extra screen time for family members of all ages. Staying safe online starts with openly discussing the hazards that come with using the internet and modeling healthy browsing behavior.
“As much as we’d like to think we could protect our kids 100% of the time, the reality is we can’t,” said Catherine Larson, director of marketing for InfoWest. “Take the time to remind family members of the risks of being online.”
The “Internet People” at InfoWest have kept Southern Utah connected and protected since 1994. With that in mind, they’re offering some tips for every member of the household to have a safer internet experience.
Use security and privacy tools
New devices usually include security and privacy tools to help keep users safe online, but people often forget to set them up or use them. Taking the time to enable, configure and encourage continued use of these tools is half the battle. If you have a new device and need help setting it up, reach out to InfoWest’s support team.
In addition to utilizing security and privacy tools, Larson recommends parents create shared family social media accounts, set up content filters and utilize a parental control device like InfoWest Connect Plus. With InfoWest Connect Plus, parents can block unwanted content, monitor device usage and manage screen time.
Keep your guard up
Have you ever heard someone say that a healthy dose of skepticism goes a long way? When it comes to staying safe online, Larson agrees this is the right mindset to have. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Discussions about internet safety with kids are crucial. Especially at a younger age, children are likely to click on an unsafe link or accept friend requests from people they don’t know. Create a clear line of communication for them to feel safe and empowered to share their concerns about dangerous or unwelcome online activity, whether they’re encountering cyberbullying, sexually explicit messages or a stranger asking them to meet.
Be in the know
Phishing scams are on the rise worldwide. Scammers use different tactics to obtain login information and financial data, or even to install malware on their victims’ devices. Many people have likely received emails, phone calls and text messages telling them they need to update their account password, they won a $1,000 gift card or their bank information has been compromised.
Protect your family’s finances by teaching loved ones about phishing attacks. Never share your credit card details, banking information or social security number via phone, text or email. Review all communications thoroughly, and don’t open or click suspicious emails or links. If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, a call to InfoWest can help you determine whether or not it’s legitimate.
Join the InfoWest family
As both parents and kids spend long hours in front of a screen working, learning and staying connected, having a healthy relationship with technology is key to navigating today’s world. InfoWest is committed to providing the ultimate internet experience one customer at a time.
InfoWest helps customers keep up with the fast-paced digital lifestyle by offering reliable Wi-Fi for all your devices. Their residential internet service is faster than ever before, with no data caps, no bandwidth metering and speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second.
Learn more about InfoWest’s products, services and community outreach on their website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- InfoWest | Telephone: 866-463-6937 | Website.
- Locations:
- St. George: 435 E. Tabernacle St.
- Cedar City: 360 W. 200 North.
- Cedar City: 755 S. Main St., Suite 5.
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