The internet is no longer only for adults. Every day there are more and more internet sites aimed at teens and children. There are video games, cyber communities, forums, portals, blogs, and social networks that offer entertainment and other interesting services. In many cases, they are only available to registered users, which means providing personal information.
Due to the increase in internet options for younger children, it is important to protect them from the dangers of identity theft. It’s also vital to teach them about the risks of identity theft and how to protect themselves from it. Infinity Auto Insurance provides you with some tips on how to achieve this goal:
- Remember that most internet sites which require registration have a minimum age requirement. Find it and abide by it.
- Many sites ask for personal information. They should tell you who they are, what information they need and for what purpose. They should also tell you how much of your personal data they keep, how to change it and how to opt out. If they do not offer this information... do not register!
- The internet is full of people who want to take advantage of you. You can easily spot many of them because they do not tell you why they want your personal data, do not require parental authorization, and do not say who they are. Never give these kinds of sites your information! Remember that if you are under 14 years of age, you need permission from your Mom, Dad or guardian to give your personal data on the internet.
- When requesting your information, be aware that they can ask unnecessary questions that you do not need to answer, like what your family does in their spare time; or about your family life, such as who is your internet provider or how many computers there are in your house.
- Never give personal details to strangers such as your first and last name, where you live, your user names, or phone numbers. While using the internet, only share your personal information with close friends, or with people that your family knows and trusts.
- Never post personal information about your friends, classmates or people you meet, such as their full names or their addresses, in your blog or social media platforms. Also, never post photos without the permission of the person depicted.
- Be careful about posting your work or vacation schedules on Social Media, especially in public profiles. You might not want strangers knowing exactly when you won't be home.
You should also get password protection and create safe passwords.