Cyber Safe Girl: Empowering Girls to Stay Safe Online - Feby Baiju, Assistant Professor / Psychology

Cyber Safe Girl: Empowering Girls to Stay Safe Online

Feby Baiju, Assistant Professor, PG Department of Psychology, MKJC

INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone! I’m Feby Baiju, Assistant Professor (Department of Psychology, Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi) and today, I want to talk about something that affects all of us, especially girls – staying safe online. In today’s digital world, we’re more connected than ever, but that also means we need to be more cautious. So, this vlog is all about how we, as girls, can be cyber safe and protect ourselves from online threats.

Why Cyber Safety is Important for Girls?

The internet opens up a world of opportunities – for learning, connecting, and expressing ourselves. But it also comes with risks. Unfortunately, girls are more vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, and other online dangers.

Whether you’re using social media, chatting with friends, or playing games, it’s important to be aware of these risks and know how to protect yourself.

TOP ONLINE THREATS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Let’s start by understanding the key risks girls may face online:

1.      Cyberbullying: Hurtful messages, rumors, or harassment through social media and messaging aapps.

2.      Online Predators: People pretending to be someone else to manipulate or harm.

3.      Phishing Scams: Fake messages or emails designed to steal your personal information.

4.      Inappropriate Content: Being exposed to harmful or age-inappropriate content.

5.      Identity Theft: Someone using your personal information for fraudulent purposes.

CYBER SAFE GIRLTIPS

Now, let’s talk about some essential tips for staying safe online:

1.      Protect your personal information

·         Never share personal details like your address, phone number, or school name publicly.

·         Keep your social media profiles private and only accept friend requests from people you know.

2.      Think before you post

·         Remember, once something is online, it can be there forever. Be cautious about what you post, whether it’s photos, videos, or personal oopinions.

·         Avoid posting things you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers, or future employers to see.

3.      Be aware of who you are talking to

·         Not everyone online is who they say they are. If someone you don’t know contacts you, especially if they seem suspicious, avoid interacting with them.

·         If anyone makes you uncomfortable, block them immediately and report their account.

4.      Create strong passwords

·         Use strong passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthdate or name.

·         Don’t share your passwords with anyone, not even your friends!

5.      Stay safe from cyberbullying

·         If you ever experience cyberbullying, don’t respond. Instead, take screenshots as evidence and block the person. You can also report them to the platform you’re using.

·         Speak to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher, if you need help dealing with online harassment.

HOW TO SPOT AND AVOID PUSHING SCAMS

Phishing scams are common online, and they often look like official messages from companies, banks, or even friends. Here’s how to protect yourself:

·         Be wary of any message that asks you to click on a link or provide personal information.

·         Double-check the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers often use addresses that are slightly off, like replacing letters with numbers.

·         Don’t click on suspicious links, and never give out your passwords or other sensitive information over email or messages.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE ONLINE

If at any point you feel unsafe or uncomfortable online, here’s what you can do:

·         Report the issue: Most platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, have reporting options for harassment, inappropriate content, or suspicious activity.

·         Tell a trusted adult: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or school counselor, let them know what’s happening so they can help.

·         Stop engaging with the person: Block and report the person right away. It’s important to disengage immediately from anyone making you feel unsafe.

    CONCLUSION

Staying safe online is important for everyone, but girls can face unique challenges in the digital world. By following these tips, you can protect yourself, have fun online, and make the most of the opportunities the internet offers. Remember, your safety comes first!.

If you found these tips helpful, please share them with your friends and family. Together, we can help make the internet a safer space for everyone. Stay safe, stay empowered, and remember – you are in control of your online experience!