TUCSON, Ariz. -- Virtual learning will be a must for the upcoming school year.
That means learning and hacking could happen on the same platform.
Deputy James Allerton of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department says it’s important to remember students can also be one click away from danger.
“It’s certainly going to be a nontraditional school year,” says Allerton.
He adds that adjusting to online learning will be a big change, both for students and parents.
“Parents should respect their kids’ privacy to a degree," says Allerton. "But remember that as parents you have the responsibility for making sure the kids are safe on the internet."
To keep their kids safe, parents have to be involved, according to Allerton.
“Look at their browser history. Let them know that you’re going to be looking at your browser history. You can look and make sure they’re not going on apps that are going to be dangerous to them. Keep track of who they’re talking to when they’re online,” he told KGUN9.
He says there is also software you can put on the computer that will help monitor what your kids are doing.
Those that can be used to restrict certain websites, and limit the times they're able to go online.
Another thing to be wary of is if you’re on a zoom call and have to share your screen.
“Be careful of not having things that reveal maybe your address, personal information. Things that can be used to defraud your family or be used in identity theft,” says Allerton.
A rule of thumb: know that computers are hackable, so act as if someone was always watching.
“Remember never talk to people you don’t know on the internet. Never agree to meet them, certainly, don’t give them out any personal information and be very careful when you’re going on the internet,” says Allerton.
