The teacher named ways to protect the student from digital threats on the Web.

Today, almost every student spends a lot of time online. Along with convenience come risks — fraud, cyberbullying, account hacking. Without basic cyber hygiene, a child can become an easy victim. On September 10, Elena Provozen, Director of Educational Product Development at edtech company MAXIMUM, told Izvestia about how to protect yourself from digital threats.

"Phishing and online fraud are among the most common threats. Children often become victims of fake emails and messages with malicious links. For example, scammers can offer "free test answers" or access to "exclusive materials" to extort passwords or payment information," she explained.

A child who does not have critical thinking can easily believe in such suggestions and make a mistake. Malware is a hidden but no less dangerous threat. Many children download games, applications, or "hacked" versions of programs, unaware that they may contain viruses or malicious software. Such programs can steal personal data, damage files, or even help attackers gain control of a device.

The leakage of personal data is a threat that can have long—term consequences. Photos, correspondence, passwords, and other confidential information can be used against a child in both the short and long term. For example, scammers can blackmail a child or use his data to create fake accounts.

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Experts spoke about the dangers of such offers on the Web.

Cyberbullying is another serious problem faced by schoolchildren. Insults, harassment, and threats on social media can cause serious psychological harm.

"To avoid all these problems, parents should discuss potential threats with their children and explain how to recognize them. The child should understand that not everything that seems attractive on the Internet is safe. It is important to explain to him that unfamiliar links and suspicious messages require special attention and verification," warned Karen.

She drew attention to the fact that children often hide such situations from their parents out of fear or shame, which only exacerbates the problem. Parents need to build a trusting relationship with their child so that he can seek help in time.

Installing two-factor authentication on personal accounts on websites and in social networks will create an additional level of protection. This is a simple but effective way to prevent unauthorized access. Regular updates of antivirus software, use of parental controls and restriction of access to suspicious sites will help reduce risks.

However, it is important not to overdo it: total control can cause a backlash and undermine trust between parent and child. It is much more effective to teach children to independently assess risks and make the right decisions. Familiarization with personal data protection tools will help you learn the rules of security in a digital environment: resources such as password verification for complexity or phishing attack recognition tests can be useful materials.

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Digital etiquette is another important aspect of cyber hygiene. Children should understand that it is forbidden to share passwords even with close friends, distribute personal photos of other people without their consent, or participate in bullying. Discussing these topics in the family will help to form a responsible attitude towards the child's online behavior.

It must be remembered that maintaining trusting relationships is the foundation of security. The child should know that in case of a mistake or an unpleasant situation, he can turn to his parents without fear of being punished. This is especially important in cases of cyberbullying or fraud, where timely adult intervention can prevent serious consequences.

"Digital security is not about prohibitions, but about skills that will help a child to be independent and protected," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on September 1, Victoria Podsukhina, a teacher and head of regional teaching at the educational company MAXIMUM, spoke about important nuances in preparing for university admission. The expert advised to decide on the direction of study. You should not be guided only by the prestige of the profession or the opinion of others.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.