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We all know the Internet is an increasingly dangerous place, especially for vulnerable people like seniors and kids. News reports and surveys continue to reveal how online safety has become such a serious problem.
But what can we do?
A recent survey conducted by the Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) as part of their Digital Families Project targeted opinions about family safety on the Internet. The results revealed:
- The number-one concern for most (55%) was malware, spyware, and viruses.
- The second biggest concern (roughly 20%) was illegal, illicit, or stolen content.
- About 30% of people with children had concerns about their children’s safety online.
- More than 50% had similar concerns for seniors.
- 75% felt that identity theft is “extremely important.
It’s clear from these and other surveys that people know threats from the Internet are real and growing, and criminal justice data backs this up.
The question is: how do we make our online communities safer for everyone, especially kids and senior citizens?
Each of us must take the personal steps we can to keep ourselves and our family members safe, but the problem is bigger than any of us can overcome by ourselves, however.
Both personal and corporate accountability and action are necessary. Internet companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple also need to do what they can to stop the spread of online crime.
Results from the Digital Families Project recent survey by the Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) indicate many people agree…
- 19% said Internet companies should “ban bad actors from profiting off of illegal or stolen content.”
- 18% said Internet companies should “better police sites for stolen content.”
- 16% said companies should “ensure legitimate advertising doesn’t end up” on illegal content sites.
We co-hosted a Twitter Chat with Digital Citizens on December 17 that discussed the survey and people’s concerns with online safety. It’s worth taking a look to see the online safety concerns other parents have and the tips and tricks that everyone shared. You can also sign the Digital Citizens petition, calling for greater security and content respect online.
With the New Year upon us, now is an especially good time to get yourself and your family ready to be safer online.
Check the Digital Citizens website for information on online threats and tips on how to avoid them.
Disclosure: We were compensated for our time preparing and sharing this post.
Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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