Page 156 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

In response to these concerns, legislators and policymakers are racing to establish frameworks that hold
tech companies accountable for their handling of user data, especially that of our youngest users. While
these initiatives are commendable, the pace of technological advancements often outstrips the speed at
which regulations can be implemented and enforced.

Be Cautious

As we await the implementation of stricter data protection measures, it is imperative for parents to
exercise caution when allowing children access to the digital realm. This is not a call for technophobia -
a fear of technology, but rather a plea for prudence. Parents should take an active role in familiarizing
themselves with the privacy policies of the platforms their children engage with, understanding how data
is handled and staying informed about any changes in those policies. Once decisions have been made
on what social media networks, video game platforms and other online access children have, parents
should put boundaries in place to keep their children safe.

Shaping Digital Citizens

Instead of relying solely on external regulations, the onus is on parents, guardians and educators to instill
in children a foundational understanding of responsible digital citizenship. This involves teaching them
not only about the potential dangers lurking online but also about the importance of respectful
communication, empathy, and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Kidas, a software company specializing in monitoring in-game voice and text communication in PC video
games, discovered a troubling trend between October and December 2023. Among gamers aged 8 to
15, 23% experienced privacy violations, including the sharing of sensitive information such as credit card
details, social security numbers and passwords during their gaming activities.

Despite most social media platforms and games setting a minimum usage age of 13, an alarming 31%
of identified threats were directed at children between 8 and 12 years old during the same timeframe.
More unsettling is the fact that 35% of 13-year-olds, the age at which many platforms require account
creation, faced privacy violation threats. This suggests that even at the age of 13, children may not
possess the necessary technological savvy to ensure their online safety.

To safeguard children online, it is imperative to focus on education and protection measures. Providing
guidance on the potential dangers of the internet, emphasizing the types of information to avoid sharing
online and fostering an understanding of the anonymity inherent in online interactions are crucial steps
in ensuring the safety of children in the digital realm.

Earlier Intervention

In an era where children gain digital literacy at an increasingly young age, the importance of early
intervention cannot be overstated. Waiting for regulatory frameworks to fully catch up is not a viable

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 156
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