With the widespread use of the Internet around the world, mobile phones and Internet access have been found in homes in Nepal. According to a recent report by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, 57.98 percent of the total population uses Nepali broadband internet.
With the use of the Internet, it is possible to know news from abroad and easily talk to friends and family who live far away. In the same way, the Internet has also handed over the key store of entertainment and knowledge. It has been providing disproportionate support to children’s educational, intellectual and personality development as well as social relations.
But the misuse of the Internet is making many problems, especially children and young people unsafe. Due to a lack of awareness about cybersecurity, criminals have started to abuse the internet and social networks. Therefore, it is imperative to be aware of this and to know how to use the Internet safely to prevent cybercrime.
How can children be at risk on the Internet?
Ignorance of cybersecurity:
Children may be at risk if they do not know how to protect personal data and privacy on the internet, stealing viruses and information or accessing other harmful websites and programs.
Weak Passwords:
Children are also at risk when placing weak passwords, such as 12345 or their own name, not change passwords for a long time or share with friends.
Online contact with strangers:
Increasing the number of online friends, connecting with strangers, keeping their personal talk and pictures visible on Facebook, can put children at risk. Unidentified friends made online can lead to serious attacks such as virus attacks, information theft, online sexual exploitation, fraud.
Children curiosity:
Proposals by well-known online friends on social media and curiosity for new websites, apps, and games (which can be harmful) can put children at risk of sexual abuse, deception, and harassment.
Greediness:
Children can be victims of cybercrime by falling into the trap of sending fake letters, awards, opportunities to go abroad through Facebook, Twitter, Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS, and email.
Lack of Guidance:
Children are at risk due to a lack of trend to provide information about cybersecurity parents and teachers. Unaware of cyber laws and punishments, some children may be harassing others with fake IDs. Many may not know that action can be taken by detecting a fake ID.
What to do to protect children on the Internet, what not to do?
- Keeping strong passwords, changing periodically and never giving out passwords to anyone.
- Protecting privacy by setting privacy settings on social networks.
- Tell a parent, sir/miss, or trusted friend if someone hurts a child online.
- Blocking and reporting bad online ‘friendships’.
- Do not make friends with strangers online.
- Doesn’t Share Phone number and secret Things to the unknown online friend.
- Do not send or upload photos and videos that may be bad or embarrassing to others even not to save in your phone, computer, and Facebook.
