How can we ensure the safety of our children, both young and old, on social media platforms? The heartbreaking news of young adults taking their lives due to cybercrime on these platforms is truly distressing.

What is cybercrime? When we think of cyber, we associate it with the Internet and anything that is connected to it. A crime is an activity or behavior that is considered illegal. 

What is social media? Social media, often second nature to some, may be unfamiliar territory for others who have never explored it. Social media serves as an online platform where individuals can create, share, and engage with content and other users.

Catfish? I am not talking about a species of fish. The term catfishing is a deceptive tool used to impersonate, harass, and manipulate people online. This may even lead to luring a target (person) to a location. 

It may be common to think that we would not pay someone that we do not know on the Internet. However, when push comes to shove, how many people give someone the money they demand in exchange for freedom of being exposed to family and friends? This is the reality of many people that use social media platforms. 

How many have heard do not post your pictures online? You don't know who will use them against you. Did you know that anyone with the right tools can hack into your social media platforms and pretend to be a man or woman? Do you really know who you are following on your social media platform(s)? I can hear many say to themselves....this is just another blogger that has no clue what they are talking about. My child would never do this. Pay attention to your children (young and old). 

Cyberbullying. We have all heard of this term. A cyberbully is a person that tries to "cover" themselves behind a fake social media account. In doing this, they create a fake persona of themselves. Some state this is how they build confidence in themselves by harassing others for personal gain. A cyberbully uses means of intimidation against you. They want you to be threatened and vulnerable. 

Confidential Information. What is confidential information? Information that identifies you. Do not share your social security, driver's license, and/or telephone numbers. Do not share your date of birth or email or home address. Identity theft is real. Learn more here.

We cannot monitor everything our children do while connected to the Internet. However, we can provide guidance and support. Are all parents cybersecurity gurus? No. Parents aim to protect their children and most will do anything to attain this. Ensure your children regardless of age can talk to you about anything without feeling embarrassed. 

Tips: 

• Do not post inappropriate pictures of self or others in any online platform. Online platforms are not private. 
• Verify the person is who they say they are. Many of your friends, may not know they have been hacked.
• Do not pay anyone online that you do not know. When you think you need to PAY - REQUEST HELP FROM FAMILY FIRST AND/OR REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IMMEDIATELY!
• If someone asks for money online, do not pay. Talk to an adult and report it to your local police and/or state police department. 
• Do not pay with gift cards, credit cards, or other forms of payment.
• DO NOT SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION.
• Do not meet the person in any location. Human trafficking is real and it does happen in your neighborhood. 
• Trust your instincts. Check your privacy settings on your accounts, phone, laptop, tablet (anything connected to the Internet, this includes your auto). 

Report cybercrime here.