Hi, welcome to Internet Safety for Kids and thank you for joining our program!
As always with our program Internet Safety for Kids, please make sure to watch this episode together when possible, so you all learn and understand these important topics. Don’t allow the adults to say that they already know everything because there will be plenty to learn for them, too!
Maybe you are already using a cloud solution and you do not know it yet. When you have a smartphone, it is almost certain that you use the cloud. But do we all understand what the cloud is and what it does? And another important question is of course, is the cloud safe for kids? We believe that you do not have to be a technical expert to be able to use technology safely, and that also applies to the cloud. Our topic for today is: what is the cloud and how can you use it safely.
We will explain why is it important, what does it mean, and what should you do. Are you with us?
When you have a smartphone, it is almost certain that you already use the cloud and most likely much more than you realize now. It starts already when you get your smartphone ready to use because you will need to register with Apple for your iPhone or Google for your Android device. This will make a connection between your smartphone and the cloud, and in return you get a lot of extras. You can for example have all your pictures stored in the cloud so you will always have a backup. And you get access to the Appstore to install apps and games. This too is part of the cloud. And most apps connect to the cloud to get information and updates.
OK, so you are already using the cloud in many ways. But what is the cloud? Described very simple, the cloud is everything that happens for which you need an internet connection. When you play a game with your friends online, you are connected to the cloud of that game and so are your friends. When you would block the internet connection, you are no longer online and also no longer connected to the cloud. It doesn’t matter if you were playing that game on your smartphone, your computer, or a game console. There is much more available in the cloud than this very simple example, but I hope it helps you understand what the cloud is. In short, it is everything that happens on computer systems that are connected to the internet and to which you can connect.
The next question is of course if the cloud is safe for you. The answer is that it depends on what you do and also on what you should not do. First of all, all tips we give you for your cyber safety in Internet Safety for Kids also apply to the cloud. Like for example do not talk to internet strangers and always make sure you use good antivirus software. When we forget about all the technical details for a moment, there is not really a difference between the internet and the cloud. And that means that you have to take care of your own safety and security.
The cloud is wonderful technology which allows you to do things that are not possible on your own device, and it also allows you to be part of our global society. And our society has good and bad things, just like it has good and bad people. When you use the cloud, we want you to enjoy the good things and to protect yourself against the bad things. Here are some practical tips to help you with that.
- It never hurts to ask your parents or other adults before you sign up for something.
- Use strong unique passwords and multifactor authentication.
- Do not give others access to your cloud accounts.
- Don’t share personal information like for example your address and phone number.
- Do not talk to internet strangers and do not accept invitations to meet.
- Make sure that you always use good antivirus software.
- Think before you act or react. That can really help you to prevent mistakes.