Experts gave advice on protecting children online

On Children's Day, experts draw attention to the critically important issue of digital security of the younger generation. It turned out that there is a serious gap between parents' and children's perception of Internet threats: while 82% of adults are confident in their ability to protect their child online, only 26% of teenagers trust their parents in these matters. Experts from Solar Group of Companies told Izvestia about this on June 1.

Experts noted that 45% of children do not understand the basic principles of cybersecurity, and 70% realize the risks only when they directly encounter them. Of particular concern is the increase in cases where attackers manipulate underage users, involving them in dangerous activities.

"The protection of children on the Internet should be carried out in a comprehensive manner: through improving the digital literacy of the younger generation, the use of modern methods of technological protection (parental control, two—factor authentication, etc.) and psychological support for children who face threats online," said Oleg Denisenko, Director of the Center for Information and Telecommunication Technologies and Information Protection at the Federal State Educational Institution of the Russian Federation.

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In addition, children should know how to act when confronted with online bullying and where to turn for help. Finally, every family should establish clear rules for the use of gadgets, including "Internet-free zones" and periods of digital detox.

However, it should be borne in mind that the Internet is full of materials not intended for a child audience: from explicit pornography and violent scenes to information about drugs and self-destructive behavior. Platform algorithms designed to protect young users often turn out to be ineffective, especially if parental controls are not configured on the child's device. Even if viewed casually, such content can be traumatic, cause anxiety, or distort perceptions of norms of behavior.

"On this Children's Day, we urge parents to actively engage in cybersecurity education. Create trusting relationships, teach practical skills, and set clear rules. Your involvement is the best way to protect children from cyber threats," Marina Ovsyannikova, Director of Marketing and PR at Solar Group, urged.

Earlier, on May 21, the cybersecurity company Curator reported that Russia had neutralized the largest botnet attack on government agencies and public organizations in recent years, which included the activities of 4.6 million IP addresses.