Lafayette County sheriff’s office shares online safety reminders for children

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office used its Cyber Thursday post to offer parents and children reminders for staying safe while gaming, chatting, watching videos and using social media online.

The post advised keeping accounts private and being cautious about accepting friends or followers. It also urged children not to share their home address, school, phone number, passwords or other personal information online.

The office reminded families that people online may not be who they claim to be. Children were encouraged to tell a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable, asks for inappropriate pictures or pressures them to keep secrets.

Additional recommendations included using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication when available and regularly discussing the apps, games, websites and people children interact with online. The post also cautioned that material posted or sent online may not be able to be taken back.

The sheriff’s office described an open conversation as the best online safety tool and encouraged parents to make sure children know they can seek help without fear of getting in trouble. More resources are available through the office’s free app by selecting Cyber Safety.

Source: Lafayette County Sheriff's Office.