Hacking of Children's Tech Toys

This just came to my attention from the BBC. They are sharing warnings about hacks of VTech products. Click on the link below to read the BBC article.

Parents urged to boycott VTech toys after hack

As more of our devices are connected to the internet, from home appliances to tech toys, we need to be much more aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of such connectedness. If you do an online search for the "internet of things" you can learn much more about this phenomenon.

Concerns About Very Young Children Using Technology

A lot of people express concern about the use of technology by children of various ages and many studies have been done based on those concerns. Neil Augenstein recently reported for WTOP on a survey commissioned by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  which showed that human interaction is too important to early communication development for a child to be spending a lot of time on devices.

“The most rapid period of brain development takes place before age 3,” says Judith Page, president of ASHA. “The primary way young children learn is through verbal communication that technology simply cannot duplicate.”

The article indicates that, in spite of what appears to be significant concern about both the time spent using devices and the hazards of personal audio devices to hearing, there aren't enough limits being put on the use of such devices.

Common Sense Kids Action

Through this blog I have frequently shared links to helpful information from the Common Sense Media organization. This time I am sharing an entire article about a new program in the CSM offerings. It is called Common Sense Kids Action and below is the introductory letter.

Building upon the existing efforts of Common Sense, Kids Action is building a movement of teacher and parent advocates to create a uniquely powerful voice for the next generation. If we want to succeed as a nation in the 21st century, we MUST focus on our kids' education -- providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to be successful adults and leaders in a technologically advanced world. This means high quality education and technology in classrooms across the country; online privacy and safety at home and at school; quality early childhood resources for all children; and efforts to reduce child poverty. If you want to be part of this movement to put kids first, let us know so we can continue to update you with our progress and engage you in a positive conversation about shifting our nation's priorities towards our kids. Improving the lives of our children will take imagination and cooperation from federal, state, and local government officials, as well as business groups, technology companies, and passionate advocates. Standing with parents like you we will focus on our key initiatives, and work with leaders across the country to advance policies and programs that will provide every child with the opportunity to succeed in the 21st century. For the past eleven years, Common Sense has stood with you and your families to make sure children are protected in a connected world. We hope you will now stand with us as we expand our efforts to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to succeed and build bright futures. Join us by signing up here. Sincerely, Jim Steyer

Are you helping or hindering the hackers?

Warnings about internet security are all around us and repeated frequently.

But are we listening and, better yet, doing something about it?

An article I discovered today from CBC News updates and summarizes the status of hacking activity. It's a bit long but worth reading to see how we may be unwittingly making life much easier for the hacking community. With so much of our lives spent, recorded, and archived online we would be wise to do more about protecting ourselves.

The article also contains a link to another article on ransomware. You may have heard this word in the news recently since a few coastal Maine police departments were the subjects of this type of hack. It could happen to any of us, any time.

Top 10 from the FTC - Online and Phone Imposters

You have probably heard of all of these but, unfortunately, unsuspecting and trusting folks are still getting scammed. I just discovered that the Federal Trade Commission has a consumer information blog and they have posted a list of the top ten imposter scams from 2014.

1 - IRS Calling          2 - Prize Patrol          3 - Your computer has problems        

4 - Dangerous software alert from Microsoft Tech Support          5 - Fake FBI

6 - Computer Lock-out          7 - You've won a government grant          8 - Medical benefits scare

9 - Deportation Threats          10 - Fake Caller ID

More information on these types of scams is available on the FTC blog. Check it out. You can also browse the topic "privacy & identity" blog posts by clicking on a link on the right side of the web page. Looks like there is more helpful information there.

I guess the best advice is, "Be skeptical. Be very skeptical."

Are you taking charge of your online security?

As our lives get more bombarded with opportunities for digital devices and connections to the internet to assist us with our daily tasks, and daily entertainment, we also need to pay attention to the admonishments to be mindful of privacy and security. An article I recently read updates those concerns. I will share a few quotes here. If you would like to check out the entire article (not very long) by Shanton Cheng, Associate Professor in Information Systems at University of Melbourne (Australia) click on this link.

Mr. Cheng is reminding us that we need to be much better informed about online activities and not expect entities like businesses and governments to do all that is needed to protect us.

     "Going online without understanding the basics of how the internet works is like getting behind the wheel without knowing the road rules: you might still get where you’re going, but you could be a danger to yourself and those around you."

At the very least we should know:
     "the basics of our browser settings"
      and "the privacy settings of any apps and software we might be using."
We should be aware of:
     "the conditions of using any cloud services"
     and "what we are sharing online."

These are pretty much the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping ourselves safe in the digital world. We should also be thinking about aspects of "the internet of things." More on that later.
   

How secure is your data?

Although the "day" has passed it is still worthwhile to share this reminder from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Below is their press release. Take a look. There may be some fairly easy ways you can make you data and your lives more secure.

NATIONAL DATA PRIVACY DAY: THE FOUR MAJOR WAYS YOU PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK

Data Privacy Day, recognized each year on January 28, is an international effort focused on protecting privacy, safeguarding data, and enabling trust. Data Privacy Day encourages everyone to weigh the benefits and risks of sharing information, understand what their information can be used for, and take steps to protect themselves and their identities. Here are the most common ways people put their personal data at risk: Using weak passwords. Are your passwords part of theworst passwords of 2014 list? This list was compiled by analyzing the passwords found in large data breaches. Do not choose an easy-to-guess password, and do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Keeping devices unprotected. If you are separated from your mobile device, you do not want anyone to be able to access all the data from your device, including data stored in your apps. Put your devices out of sight when you walk away from them and password-protect them. Sharing too much information online. From including your birthdate, phone number, and address in your social media profiles to posting pictures of when you are on vacation, sharing too much online can give people enough information to access your accounts or your home when you are away. Wait until you’re home from your trip to post pictures. To help protect yourself and your family, start with these tips from the national cybersecurity awareness campaign, Stop.Think.Connect.™: Secure your devices. Take advantage of lock screens, passwords, and fingerprint scanning capabilities to secure your smartphones, tablets, and computers. Set strong passwords. Make your passwords hard to guess, and change them regularly. Think before you app. Many apps request access to information stored on your mobile device, including your contact lists, pictures, and location data. Determine if you really want to share such information before downloading the app Do business with reputable vendors. Before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that you are interacting with a reputable, established vendor. Attackers may try to trick you by creating malicious websites that falsely appear to be legitimate companies. Customize the settings on your accounts. Many accounts include default settings that promote more information sharing. Check your account settings to ensure only the information you want to share is visible to those people you want to share it with. Use the National Cyber Security Alliance’s Check Your Privacy Settings page to get started. For more tips on safer online behavior and how to protect yourself and your data, visitwww.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Are you curious about Instagram?

Just ran across another article on the MediaSmarts site by blogger Andrea Tomkins.

What parents need to know about Instagram

If you have heard of it but have not used it and are curious this is a good place to start educating yourself. Simply put, Instagram is a photography app for smart phones that allows one to both edit and share the photos. Andrea writes in her article about the basics of Instagram use and rules they have in their household about using the app. She also provides a link to A Parents' Guide to Instagram, which provides much more detail about Instagram and online sharing in general. MediaSmarts joined forces with Instagram and ConnectSafely to produce the guide.

Media Literacy Week in Canada and US

"Media Literacy Week is November 3-7. Co-hosted by MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, the official theme “Youth & Social Networking: Creative, Connected, and Collaborative” will encourage adults to work with young people to explore the opportunities that social networking tools provide for contributing positively to society and building digital skills for the future."

 Above is the opening paragraph in MediaSmarts blogger Andrea Tomkins' article titled "Sharing Social Media as a Family."  It's definitely a different media world out there these days for all, but especially for those of us who have children who are "millenials" and grandchildren who are "digital natives." Ms. Tomkins share a lot of insights into parenting and mentoring younger people in the ways of social media. She suggests having family accounts to such media favorites as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube as good ways to get young people used to using these communication options properly and safely.

More resources are available on the Media Literacy Week website. They include a tip sheet put together by MediaSmarts and Facebook about sharing online, activities for classroom use, and suggestions for things parents and kids can do at home to become more media literate together.

Common Sense Media Focus on Parent Concerns

I just discovered a new addition to the tabs on the Common Sense Media home page. It is called Parent Concerns and addresses seven topics - screen time, cyberbullying, privacy and internet safety, social media, learning with technology, special needs and learning difficulties, and back to school.

(Remember you can click on any of the colored text above to link directly to that topic.)

Do you have concerns or questions about:          location apps on phones?              data collection?   
          privacy settings?              kids' web browsers?               accessibility for special needs?
                                                  
Each page includes answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), articles, and videos. As usual, you can search for information by age groups.

While you are there be sure to check out some of the other resources Common Sense Media offers.

Facebook and Beyond: Social Media Summer Update

This just in from Common Sense Media!

15 Sites and Apps Kids Are Heading to Beyond Facebook

 (click on the title above to go to the web page)

Whether your child is a social media veteran,  just entering that world, or somewhere in between, this article is a "must-read" for both child and parent. (They aren't always aware of the pros and cons of the sites they are thinking of using). The CSM staff look at 15 currently available social media sites and apps, including notes on why they are popular and what parents need to know about the site or app. It's valuable information for us all in a concise format.

Check it out.

In addition if you have kids who are just getting started with social networking, take a look at this Common Sense Media page for tips on sites for ages 7 through 11.

Social Networking for Kids

Worried about your kids online? Relax (a little).

A recent article from Common Sense Media presents a few myths about safety for kids online. This may help many parents pull back some from developing what they call a "techno-panic mindset." Click on "myths and truths" below to learn what they say about cyberbullying, how kids act online, posting photos, and more.

Myths and Truths

You will also find links to internet safety tips for different age groups.

Apps Abound - How savvy are you?

I just received a very informative article on apps from Common Sense Media. It's titled Apps 101: What to Know before You Download. There are so many apps now that it is often difficult to know which ones are valuable and what age groups will get the most out of them.

Are they educational or are they primarily selling something?
Are they free or will charges pop up later?
Can they be played against strangers or can you control who plays?

The article covers what we should think about before downloading any app and adds tips for kids when choosing and using apps. There's some very good advice for navigating the world of apps.

An Interesting Take on Hashtags

Do you like and use hashtags or are you ovewhelmed by seeing them everywhere? I recently ran across this opinion piece by Daniel Stein on the DIGIDAY website. He shares his observations on the use of hashtags by advertisers. Click on the title to link to the page.

#Stopthemadness: Advertisers are guilty of hashtag abuse

Do you "Yik Yak?" Have you even heard of "Yik Yak?"

Yik Yak is a fairly new member of the social media community. According to Common Sense Media it is a "free, local social-networking app that lets users post "anything and everything" anonymously, including a lot of explicit content that's clearly not for kids. Yik Yak users post brief, Twitter-like comments, which are distributed to any 500 people using Yik Yak closest to them geographically. . ." They have determined that this app is inappropriate for kids.

For a lot more information about Yik Yak click on the links below.

Common Sense Media Reviews Yik Yak

Yik Yak app banned at Lake Forest High School amid flap

Sleeptexting - The Importance of "Turning Off"

I found this very interesting article from The Atlantic in a link from the previous post about Common Sense Media resolutions. The attachment people of all ages develop with their mobile devices, particularly phones, appears to be creating some significant health problems. Texting while not fully awake is one of them. The result could be merely embarrassing or worse.

One of the researchers studying this phenomenon said:

“It’s impacting teens and young adults, because they’re pretty much attached to the phone like an appendage. The younger generation grew up with texting and with Facebook and they’re checking their phones every two minutes during the day,” Gelb explains. “It’s just a part of their lives. This is all they know, this is what they grew up with.”


For the full article click on  Sleeptexting Is the New Sleepwalking.

New Year's Resolutions from Common Sense Media

Do you have concerns about the screens in your life? Televisions, movies, computers and mobile devices are everywhere and constantly being upgraded with new and exciting features. It's enough to make your head spin even if you understand it all.

Common Sense Media has some timely suggestions for controlling the onslaught and navigating the whole media world safely in 2014. Their resolutions are for both parents and kids of all ages and could very well provide some fun for you all along with maintaining some sanity when dealing with the ever-increasing demand for screen time.

Check out Media Resolutions Every Family Should Make in 2014.

Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift?

You might want to check out Common Sense Media's Holiday Gift Guide.

In their words, the guide includes "100+ holiday gift ideas hand-selected to inspire, educate, and entertain kids of all ages and stages. Whether your list includes young children, tweens, or teens, now it's easy to find presents that kids and parents will feel good about. All our picks are arranged by age and media type, and they include movies, video games, books, music, TV shows on DVD, apps, and websites."

Happy shopping!

How Much Do You Know About Gaming Consoles?

I am guessing that games or a new gaming console may be on a Christmas list you have been given. I admit knowing next to nothing about these things except for what I hear in the chatter in the IT room here at MHS and what I read in the blogs I regularly check. I am learning a great deal in a post titled "Your living room's new "black box"" in today's blog from MediaSmarts.

There is valuable information on such things as the features of gaming consoles (internet connection, built-in cameras, account requirements that allow players to participate in social networks as part of the gaming experience). They also stress the importance of working with the rating system. There is a link to Understanding the Video Game Rating System in the article (it is a pdf document that may download or your computer or open in a new browser tab).

No matter the age of your gamers, it sounds like it is very important to work with them in setting up the game system and learning about and evaluating the features available. It appears that there is a lot of room for customization of the system for your family's needs. As I indicated in an early post to this blog, making this a family activity can be both fun and educational for all involved.

Family Game Night Reinvented

Do you ever lament the fact that families, perhaps even yours, don't play games as a group any more? Of course I realize that some families still have fun playing board and card games together but, even if that is not your family, you still have options for family fun in keeping with ever-advancing technology. According to author Jordan Shapiro, who contributed this article to Forbes Magazine, there are many "benefits of intergenerational video game play," including "a positive impact on adolescent development and long-term family outcomes."

No better way to become familiar with what your kids are playing than to play right along with them.