Help & FAQ | Indian Cyber Squad

FAQ for Parents on Cyber Safety and Support

As a parent, navigating the online world and keeping your child safe can feel overwhelming. This FAQ provides guidance on various aspects of cyber safety, from legal resources to psychological support, parental controls, and managing screen time. Below are frequently asked questions based on our discussions and articles.

1. Cyber Safety for Families

Q: How can I teach my child to stay safe online?

A: Start by teaching them basic online safety tips, such as not sharing personal information, creating strong passwords, and avoiding interactions with strangers. Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable telling you about anything suspicious. You can also set up parental controls to monitor their online activity.

Q: What are some red flags that my child might be a victim of cyberbullying?

A: Signs of cyberbullying include withdrawal from friends and activities, sudden changes in mood or behavior, reluctance to use their devices, and unexplained anxiety or anger. If you suspect cyberbullying, document the evidence and talk to your child openly about their online experiences.

Q: What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied?

A: Stay calm and supportive. Document the incidents by taking screenshots or saving messages. Encourage your child not to respond to the bully. Report the abuse to the relevant platform (social media, messaging apps) and block the bully. If the bullying continues or escalates, consider involving school authorities or law enforcement.

Q: How can I protect my family from online scams and phishing?

A: Educate your family about common phishing techniques, like emails from unknown sources asking for personal information. Teach them to check for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar, misspelled URLs, or suspicious links. Use phishing filters and keep antivirus software updated on all devices.

Q: How do I secure my home Wi-Fi network?

A: To secure your home Wi-Fi, change the default router username and password, enable WPA3 encryption, and create a guest network for visitors. Make sure the firmware is regularly updated, and disable remote access to the router.

Q: What are some secure messaging apps for family communication?

A: Secure messaging apps that prioritize privacy include Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp (when privacy settings are properly configured). These apps offer end-to-end encryption, making conversations more secure.

2. Legal and Psychological Support

Q: What legal protections are available for my child if they are targeted online in India?

A: India’s IT Act and the Indian Penal Code provide legal recourse for various forms of cybercrime, including harassment, cyberstalking, and the distribution of obscene content. You can file a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station or report the crime online at cybercrime.gov.in.

Q: What should I do if my child’s personal information is stolen or misused online?

A: Immediately report the incident to the police and file a complaint with your local cybercrime cell. Regularly monitor your child’s credit report to ensure their identity hasn’t been compromised. Consult a lawyer specializing in cyber laws to guide you through the legal process.

Q: Where can I find psychological support for my child after an online attack?

A: In India, services like Childline India (1098), NCPCR, and NGOs like TULIR provide psychological support for children. Private counseling platforms like BetterLYF and YourDOST also offer therapy for children dealing with cyber trauma.

Q: What legal actions can I take if my child's image is shared online without consent?

A: You can report the issue under the IT Act for unauthorized use of personal data. File a complaint with the local cybercrime cell or report the violation through the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Additionally, consult a lawyer for further legal recourse.

Q: Are there specific organizations that provide legal advice for children facing online abuse?

A: Yes, organizations like the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Cyber Crime Investigation Cells across India provide support. They offer legal advice, file complaints, and take necessary actions to protect children from online abuse.

Q: How can I help my child recover emotionally after an online harassment incident?

A: Encourage open discussions about the incident and reassure your child that it’s not their fault. Consider seeking counseling services through platforms like Childline (1098), BetterLYF, or YourDOST to provide professional psychological support. In cases of severe emotional distress, involving a child psychologist may be necessary.

3. Parental Controls and Screen Time Management

Q: How do I set up parental controls on my child’s smartphone?

A: Parental control settings vary by device:

iPhones: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Set Up as Parent. From here, you can set content restrictions, app limits, and communication controls.
Android devices: Use Google Family Link to set app usage limits, control content, and manage screen time.
Gaming consoles: Look for parental control settings in the device's menu to restrict online interactions, set playtime limits, and block inappropriate content.

Q: What apps are best for monitoring my child’s online activities?

A: There are several top-rated parental control apps to help monitor and manage your child's online activity:

Qustodio: Offers robust tools for screen time tracking, content filtering, and activity monitoring across devices.
Bark: Specializes in monitoring social media apps, email, and text messages for potentially harmful content.
Net Nanny: Allows you to block harmful websites, manage screen time, and monitor social media use.

Q: How do I balance screen time with offline activities for my child?

A: Create a structured daily routine that includes specific times for screen use and offline activities. Encourage tech-free activities like reading, outdoor play, and hobbies. You can also set device-free zones at home, such as during meals or family time.

Q: What parental control settings should I use on social media platforms?

A: On platforms like Instagram and Facebook, ensure that:

Account visibility is set to private.
Location sharing is disabled.
Commenting and direct messaging controls are restricted to friends or followers only.
Limit time spent on social media through apps like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time.

Q: Can I control in-app purchases made by my child?

A: Yes, you can restrict or block in-app purchases by:

Google Play Store: Go to Settings > Family > Parental Controls > Set up a PIN for purchases.
Apple App Store: Enable Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Set to “Don’t Allow” for in-app purchases.

Q: How can I monitor and limit screen time across devices?

A: Use built-in parental control features like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link to monitor and set screen time limits. You can also use apps like Qustodio or Net Nanny to apply limits across multiple devices, including gaming consoles and computers.

Q: What are some recommended daily screen time limits for children?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

For children under 2 years: Avoid screen time except for video chatting.
For children aged 2 to 5: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming.
For children aged 6 and above: Set consistent limits to ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interaction.

4. Safe Social Media Practices

Q: How can I monitor my child’s social media usage without invading their privacy?

A: Use parental control apps that provide insights into your child’s online activity without viewing private conversations. Encourage regular check-ins about their social media experiences, and set clear boundaries on what is acceptable to share online. You can also review the built-in privacy settings on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Q: What social media risks should I be aware of?

A: Some common risks include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, and participation in harmful viral challenges. Teach your children to recognize red flags and to come to you with concerns. Be proactive in reviewing their friends lists and the content they consume.

Q: How do I use privacy settings to protect my child on social media?

A: On platforms like Instagram and Facebook:

Instagram: Go to Settings > Privacy to limit who can see your child’s posts, stories, and who can send direct messages.
Facebook: Under Settings > Privacy, you can adjust who can see posts, friend requests, and personal details.
WhatsApp: In Settings > Account > Privacy, you can limit who sees your child’s profile photo, status, and last seen time.

Q: How do I manage my child’s friends and contacts on Facebook?

A: In Facebook Settings, navigate to Privacy > How People Find and Contact You to control who can send friend requests and who can see your child’s friend list. Encourage your child to only add people they know personally.

Q: How do I restrict WhatsApp usage for my child?

A: On WhatsApp:

Set privacy controls in Settings > Account > Privacy to limit who can see your child’s profile photo, status, and last seen time.
Enable two-step verification to add an extra layer of security.
Block unwanted contacts and restrict group invitations through the Group Privacy setting.

Q: What are some dangerous social media trends and challenges I should be aware of?

A: Keep an eye on potentially harmful trends like:

The Blue Whale Challenge: Encourages self-harm.
Momo Challenge: Coaxes children into performing dangerous tasks.
Tide Pod Challenge: Encourages children to ingest harmful substances. Encourage your child to avoid viral challenges and always talk to you before participating in any trend.

5. Apps and Game Reviews

Q: How do I determine if an app or game is appropriate for my child?

A: Look for expert reviews that evaluate apps and games for age appropriateness, safety features, and potential risks. Focus on games with educational value, strong privacy protections, and minimal risk of exposure to harmful content. Platforms like Common Sense Media and our website offer in-depth reviews.

Q: What should I watch out for in apps and games when it comes to privacy?

A: Be cautious of apps that require excessive personal information, allow direct messaging, or contain in-app purchases that could be exploited. Check the app’s privacy policy to understand how your child’s data is collected and shared.

Q: How can I find age-appropriate games for my child?

A: Use our expert app reviews, which provide insights into games' age ratings, educational value, and in-game safety features.

Q: What are some red flags to look for in children’s apps and games?

A: Be wary of apps that:

Have in-app purchases designed to entice children.
Allow unmonitored messaging or direct contact with strangers.
Lack clear age ratings or parental guidance.
Request unnecessary permissions to access personal data or location.

Q: How can I ensure my child is playing educational or beneficial games?

A: Look for apps that focus on skill-building, creativity, or learning. Games like Khan Academy Kids, Endless Alphabet, and Minecraft (Creative Mode) offer educational content in a fun format. Regularly monitor your child’s playtime to ensure they’re engaged with positive, age-appropriate content.

6. Cybercrime Awareness and Prevention

Q: What are the most common types of cybercrimes affecting children in India?

A: Common cybercrimes targeting children include cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, and online exploitation (such as inappropriate contact or grooming). Online scams and phishing attacks are also prevalent.

Q: How can I protect my child from phishing scams?

A: Teach your child to never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. Explain the importance of verifying emails, especially those that ask for personal information. Use antivirus software and phishing filters to block suspicious websites.

Q: How can I educate my child about cybercrime and online threats?

A: Teach your child about common cyber threats, like phishing, identity theft, and online predators. Use real-world examples and provide practical advice, such as not sharing personal information, avoiding strangers online, and reporting suspicious behavior.

Q: What should I do if my child accidentally downloads malware?

A: Immediately disconnect the device from the internet and run a full scan using antivirus software. Remove any detected malware and reset all account passwords. For more severe infections, consider consulting a professional IT specialist or the nearest cybercrime cell for guidance.

Q: How can I protect my child’s identity online?

A: Ensure they use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Teach them to avoid sharing sensitive information like home addresses or school names on public platforms, and regularly review privacy settings across their online accounts.

7. Cyberbullying and Harassment

Q: What should I do if my child is being harassed online?

A: First, document all instances of harassment by taking screenshots and saving messages. Block and report the harasser on the relevant platform. Depending on the severity of the situation, consider contacting your child's school or filing a complaint with the police or cybercrime cell.

Q: Can schools in India take action against cyberbullying?

A: Yes, many schools in India have anti-bullying policies that extend to online behavior. If the cyberbullying involves peers from your child’s school, report it to the administration. They may intervene by taking disciplinary action or offering counseling.

Q: How do I report cyberbullying to social media platforms?

A: Most platforms have built-in reporting tools:

Instagram: Tap the three dots on the post or profile you wish to report, and follow the prompts for reporting.
Facebook: Click on the three dots next to a post, then select Find Support or Report Post.
WhatsApp: Tap on the chat, go to More Options > Report to report spam or harassment.

Q: Can I prevent my child from being harassed in online games?

A: Use in-game parental controls to disable chat functions or restrict communication to approved friends. In gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, you can set up privacy settings that prevent strangers from sending messages or interacting with your child.

Q: How do I talk to my child about online harassment?

A: Approach the topic with empathy and openness. Explain the different forms of online harassment and reassure them that they can talk to you if they ever feel uncomfortable. Encourage them to report inappropriate behavior and block the harasser, and guide them on how to document any incidents for further action.

8. General Advice

Q: How do I start a conversation with my child about online safety?

A: Approach the topic calmly and make it a collaborative discussion rather than a lecture. Use real-life examples of online risks and explain why it's important to be cautious. Regular check-ins about their online activities can also build trust and open communication.

Q: How can I find reliable resources on cyber safety for my family?

A: Trusted sources include government initiatives like the Ministry of Electronics and IT's Cybercrime Reporting Portal, NGOs like Childline, and parenting websites that specialize in internet safety. Our website also provides expert-reviewed content on apps, games, parental controls, and more.

Q: How often should I monitor my child’s online activity?

A: While it’s important to respect your child’s privacy, regular check-ins are essential, especially for younger children. Use parental control apps to keep an eye on their browsing history, app usage, and screen time. Gradually increase their autonomy as they demonstrate responsible online behavior.

Q: How can I help my child balance their online and offline lives?

A: Set a clear schedule that includes time for schoolwork, screen time, outdoor play, and family interactions. Encourage hobbies that don’t involve screens and set designated “tech-free” zones at home, such as during meals or bedtime.