With the holiday season approaching, many look forward to gifting kids the latest tech gadgets. While smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles can bring endless excitement, they also introduce potential security risks. Below are some strategies for ensuring children enjoy their new devices in a secure and positive digital environment.
1. Choosing Age-Appropriate Devices
Selecting the right device for a child’s age and maturity is the first step. Many gadgets now come equipped with parental controls, allowing parents to manage screen time, monitor app usage, and filter inappropriate content. Devices labeled “kid-safe” or designed specifically for children are excellent choices, often preloaded with age-appropriate content.
2. Activating Security Features Right Away
Before handing over a new device, it is important to take the time to set up its security features. From installing updates to enabling parental controls and app blocking, preparing the device ensures a smooth and safe start. For older kids, consider monitoring tools that balance safety with their growing need for independence and privacy.
3. Teaching Safe Usage Habits
Settings alone are not enough—teaching kids’ responsible online behavior is essential. Explaining the importance of keeping passwords private, avoiding personal information sharing, and being cautious online empowers kids to make smart decisions.
Key safety points include:
- Protecting personal information: Remind kids not to share details like names, schools, or addresses.
- Recognizing suspicious links and downloads: Teach kids how to identify potential scams or malware.
- Being cautious with strangers: For online games and apps with social features, emphasize the importance of avoiding interactions with unknown individuals.
4. Modeling Good Tech Habits and Open Communication
Children often learn by observing the behavior of adults around them. By modeling responsible technology use—limiting screen time, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, and showing that technology is a tool rather than a distraction—parents set a strong example. Keeping communication open is equally important. Encouraging kids to share their online experiences and providing support when they face challenges fosters trust and openness, ensuring they feel comfortable seeking guidance when needed.
In Summary
Technology is a gift that can inspire learning and creativity, but safety must come first. By choosing secure devices, setting protections, teaching safe habits, and staying involved, parents can give their kids the gift of tech with peace of mind. These steps not only ensure their safety today but also help them develop a foundation for a secure and responsible digital future.
– Ian Anderson, Chair, Midwest Reliability Organization Security Advisory Council and Senior Manager of Enterprise Security and Monitoring for OGE Energy Corp.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian Anderson, Oklahoma Gas and Electric
Ian Anderson is a Senior Manager of Enterprise Security and Monitoring for OGE Energy Corp headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ian has experience in government, energy, financial, and manufacturing industries. Ian has a bachelor’s degree in Management of Information Systems and a Master’s in Public Administration both from the University of Oklahoma. Ian also serves on the faculty of Arizona State University in the school of Politics and Global Studies teaching within the Master of Arts in Global Security program.
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