Parents expect their teenagers to have all the skills to navigate the online world, given how much time they spend online. But while they’re busy being upset, their children prefer smartphones to studying, gaps in knowledge deepen, and risks increase.
While most teenagers use YouTube regularly, social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are also heavily accessed, almost constantly, as research shows. Most of the time, they exchange messages with friends and family, but they also scroll and watch video content. This constant brain stimulation can make them susceptible to cybersecurity risks, especially when it comes to identity theft, cyberbullying, and phishing.
But since these age groups are the most digitally literate, being wary of potential dangers is especially important, as attacks and risks are becoming more subtle and sophisticated. This is a brief guide for teenagers about cybersecurity.
Your password matters more than it seems
Passwords are underrated yet important forms of securing your accounts, and no, having the same mix of letters and numbers across multiple accounts is not secure. This vulnerability makes it easier for hackers to brute-force your password and gain access to all your information.
This can happen even if you use different password variations, as scammers will keep trying to guess it until they break it. Indeed, remembering all the passwords for so many social media apps is difficult when they’re not linked to something memorable. The solution to this problem is using a password manager protected by end-to-end encryption, where you can store, share, and autofill logins. Such software programs include two-factor authentication and can even store important files.
Your information is valuable
Your personal data, such as your email address, name, or address, is important to protect, as hackers or scammers can use it in various ways. Unfortunately, everything you do on the internet requires entering such information, from signing up to play a game to downloading an app.
But doing these activities and allowing the use of your data must be done with security in mind. When you sign up to play a new game, make sure the platform is safe, and the company behind it is reputable. Games on obscure websites should be avoided in all cases, as they may contain phishing links or vulnerabilities.
Your information can also be used for identity theft, which happens when a fraudster obtains passwords or credit card numbers to act on your behalf. For example, they might be able to order goods with your finances, but since they’ve obtained your info, systems don’t recognize the difference.
Your online friends can become bullies
Making friends online has been easier for kids who play online games or spend time in communities. While shy kids find it easier to make online friends, this can happen to everyone, and sometimes it is risky to be so close to someone you have never met in person.
Online bullying happens when someone is:
- Threatening or sending abusive messages;
- Spreading rumors about you in groups;
- Sharing embarrassing images or videos of yourself;
- Excluding you from activities;
While you can sometimes just distance yourself and block the person, in other cases, you might need your parents’ intervention, and even the police. Never be afraid to share your story if it seems embarrassing, because that will only put more pressure on you. When someone’s behavior crosses your boundaries, it’s time to take all precautions to protect yourself.
Your parents have another perspective on life
Every teenager has been lectured about the importance of living a life away from their phones. We know how frustrating it can be, especially when it happens daily, but understanding each other’s perspective can help minimize conflicts.
Parents have been raised in different ecosystems, and with the lack of technology, they have different expectations. But modern generations are surrounded by technology everywhere, from buying a bus ticket to creating a bank account, so being wired to technology is essential.
However, it’s important to adopt a balanced approach to technology. Yes, we need it constantly, but scrolling and the hours wasted online surely aren’t lucrative. Therefore, spending some time offline as well will lead to a better life, where you invest time in hobbies, a favorite sport, or simply in “rawdogging” marathons.
Your power stands in knowledge
Yes, you may know about all the latest TikTok trends and the “barefoot everywhere” trend, but how much do you know about the most recent types of cyberattacks? This year, platforms like Deezer, Twitter, and Microsoft experienced data leaks, meaning people’s data has been scattered around the internet for scammers and hackers to access.
The AI you may have been using to get answers to your specific questions may contribute to climate change, as the energy required for training the AI and allowing it to operate at such speed is possible with the sacrifice of greenhouse gas emissions, critical minerals, and large water consumption.
This news is not the kind to entertain as short TikTok videos do, but it is the reality exposed on the internet that everyone, including teenagers, should be wary of. Ignoring the factors that affect the planet, our health, and the evolution of animals is a mistake many people, including young ones, make, because ignorance is bliss. However, the moment there’s a power outage, or we’re rawdogging a pandemic, we’re suddenly taken into the harsh reality. So, as young people, you must be knowledgeable and not fall into the trap of entertainment for the rest of your lives.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an important but often overlooked discussion in families. Because parents are less familiar with tools like password managers and phishing attacks, children, especially teenagers, are left to explore the online world on their own, often ignoring what’s most important. Their data, well-being online, and online friends are important topics to cover and understand, so adolescents should spend more time reading about them. However, taking a break from internet use and living without the need for phone use are more important.
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