Skype is a positive tool while living overseas. It allows us to communicate with our families and loved ones in our home country and various international settings. Being able to connect to those who are important to us in a simple, face-to-face manner, makes living away from home a more pleasurable experience.
While there are many positive aspects to using Skype at home, it is important to understand the rules and regulations to ensure that is it not misused by your child. Firstly, Skype’s website and software are not intended or designed to attract users under the age of 13 and therefore recommended that students under the age of 13 do not have a personal account. Skype is not required for learning at school or at home, nor is it a requirement in the Grade 5 Bring Your Own Educational Device Program. While students may think it is a trend to communicate with their peers on Skype, it is easy for them to become vulnerable to inappropriate conversations or dangerous relationships. Intel Security recommends the following guidelines in your home for children 13 and over when using Skype:
While there are many positive aspects to using Skype at home, it is important to understand the rules and regulations to ensure that is it not misused by your child. Firstly, Skype’s website and software are not intended or designed to attract users under the age of 13 and therefore recommended that students under the age of 13 do not have a personal account. Skype is not required for learning at school or at home, nor is it a requirement in the Grade 5 Bring Your Own Educational Device Program. While students may think it is a trend to communicate with their peers on Skype, it is easy for them to become vulnerable to inappropriate conversations or dangerous relationships. Intel Security recommends the following guidelines in your home for children 13 and over when using Skype:
- Set ground rules.
- Approve friends and chats.
- Be digitally vigilant.
- Stay age appropriate.
- Get passwords, screen names.
- Keep computers in the open.
- Remind that nothing is private.