Many parents don't have the time or inclination to adjust computer settings or read through endless privacy policies. These were not particularly appealing tasks before the pandemics, which merged economic and natural disasters.

Parents need to be aware of the risks that their children are taking to their safety, privacy, security, and mental health. Millions of children use loaner Chromebooks or tablets to begin their remote school year. There are many school days in the United States, from different areas to different states. Some schools have prerecorded lessons, while others require students to keep Zoom on during the school day. Parent-formed pods, hybrid online, in-person, and distance learning are some examples of schools that have gone entirely remote. Schools are still trying to return to normal. Remote classes may be possible for some schools in the future.

We spoke with privacy and education experts to learn what you can do now to avoid paying $400 at the App Store. You will be a stressed-out, unhappy student if you leave a digital footprint.

ESTABLISH SEPARATE PLAY and SCHOOL ACCOUNTS

To distinguish between school and online recreational activities, make sure your children have separate email addresses. The email address created by your school district automatically can be used, such as a Gmail account via Google Classroom. To be used for other activities, such as surfing the Internet or playing with friends (closely monitored), you can create a separate email. This will protect school information, such as inappropriate site visits, from their hands.

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Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media's senior parenting editor, recommends that parents make clear distinctions between homework and free time. Common Sense Media is a media advocacy organization for families. If your children don't have an email account, you may need to create one. Google Family Link is a great tool to help you create an account that's specific to your child and restricts advertising.

PARENTAL CONTROLS SHOULD ALWAYS BE INVOLVED

Many children are having their first online experience. It is easy to set up basic parental controls. It will stop children from visiting write my college essay websites. If your child is using a device with Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, you can use Microsoft's family control. You can also disable the ability for media purchases and apps to be purchased, as well as limit or disable YouTube.

It is common for school IT departments to manage school-issued devices, which can complicate things. The good news is that most computers borrowed by schools have default controls. If you require more control but are unable to or unwilling to change the settings, you can still control the network at that level. You can monitor and limit traffic from any device connected to your WiFi network. You can also create shutoff options to block Internet access after 9 pm.

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Modern routers provide parental control options via their apps or websites. Eero is one example. Other routers offer additional parental settings, which can be purchased for an additional fee. Circle Home Plus is a tool that can control traffic to your home. It can also be used to manage devices on your home's network.

Teach them cybersecurity basics

Hackers and scammers are eager to take advantage of the current work-and-learn-from-home chaos. Discuss cybersecurity with your children. Installing anti-virus software such as LastPass or Dashlane and setting up password managers are the first steps. If your child is older, activate two-factor authentication to secure their accounts. Children should not share passwords with others or publish personal information online. Encourage your school's inclusion of cybersecurity in its curriculum.

Richard Bird, father of six children and chief customer officer at Ping Identity believes that it is important to set an example.

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Bird states that sometimes parents aren't able to manage their digital security. Criminals will want to access your data and that of your family in order to carry out a wide range of criminal activities. To defraud government agencies like the IRS and banks, they can create fake digital identities.

He recommends telling your children to not share any information with their parents, including homework or access to apps and services. Ask your school district about the protections they offer.

GET CONTROL OVER THEIR PERSONAL DATA

It is impossible to avoid it: Children are sharing personal information online, which can be hard to manage or control. While school districts may screen apps that they use, privacy policies can vary greatly between districts. Apps that allow schools to share anonymized student data may also be used by schools.

Check the settings for individual apps (educational or recreational) to limit sharing. You should ensure that your social accounts are kept private. Visit the website for information on data privacy and apps that have been approved by your district.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to keep up with school apps that track students, from classrooms to bathrooms.

If you are unable to find the information that you require, take a look at the privacy policies for each app and then contact the school to ask about your child's data. Does the school use keystroke logging software? Is it possible to view student information by teachers? How long does the data stay saved? Bradley Shear, a Maryland father, has asked his district to erase student records at the end of each school year.

Knorr stated, "You have the right of knowing what data they store and how long they keep it, who has access to them, how they store it and how long they keep it"

GET OUT OF YOUR WAY!

It is important that your child finds a place where they can set up their computer. You should also ensure the space is well lit. Teachers and students can have trouble forming a video connection. It can be even more difficult if they are unable to see each other. Use the preview to judge the lighting.