Norton’s Back-to-School checklist for online safety

Parents’ back-to-school checklist usually includes getting the new backpack, school supplies, and new clothes, but they shouldn’t forget about getting their kids ready for the cyber-schoolyard. Trouble with peers online, an accidentally deleted term paper, or a ruined hard drive are all obstacles kids can run into during the school year.

Norton recommends reviewing the following cyber security basics to ensure the back-to-school experience goes smoothly:

Cyberbullying. As kids get ready to go back to school, they’re also getting ready to re-enter the intense social world they probably tuned out during the summer. As summer ends, parents should take the time to review the dangers of cyberbullying.

Remind kids that “real life” etiquette applies in cyberspace and that if they see someone being cyberbullied, they should talk to an adult.

Poisoned Back-to-School Search Terms. Searching for back-to-school basics isn’t always safe. Cybercriminals monitor trends and calendar events so they’ll know what Internet users are most likely to search. Then they create malicious websites that turn up in searches for the term. When clicked, unsuspecting search engine users are tricked into downloading unwanted malware.

Get prepared to prevent tech perils. It’s 2 a.m., the assignment is due tomorrow and…the document is gone! Tech catastrophes always occur at the worst times. Parents and students can disaster-proof their computer with NortonLive Ultimate Help Desk, a personal IT assistance service families can ensure that they’ll always have the computer help they need with a reliable technology assistance service.  

For more information on how to protect your child from cyberbullying, as well as other online dangerous, check out the Norton Family Online Safety Guide.