Almost thirty years ago. Robert Fulghum published random thoughts he had about life. People loved his articles. Eventually, he turned them into a book, and it became a bestseller. It still ranks high on the charts today.
All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten is filled with simple advice. Random thoughts that when put together can provide an easy step by step approach to living a safe, healthy, happy life. Who wouldn’t agree that “share everything” and “play fair” is great advice throughout your life?
The older we get, the more complicated we make things. Maybe our experiences get in the way. Maybe we lose the capabilities of keeping things simple.
Take technology. Talk with anyone 60 years or older and they’ll tell you the best way to program their television or get their mobile devices in order is to hand them off to their grandkids. Today’s kids have an innate ability to get things done.
But that doesn’t mean they understand safety. Kids may be masterminds at programming devices, but knowing who to trust and who to back away from? They need a little advice. Simple advice. Like:
- Don’t post any personal information online - like your address, email address, or mobile number.
- Never give out your passwords.
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
Children are sponges. They listen. But what about your parents?
Today, older Internet users are doing pretty much the same things online that kids are doing. The 55 and older crowd is the fastest growing age group on social media sites. They have money, and they aren’t afraid to use it; 64 percent regularly visit online stores and pay with their credit cards. Over 68 percent use online banking tools - it’s easier, why not?
They’re also at more risk to fall victim to cyber-criminals. And that translates to putting us all at more risk.
Think they will willingly give their passwords to someone calling and telling them they suspect a breach in their account? You bet. And that opens up you personally and professionally to much bigger threats.
Have you talked to your kids about cyber safety? How about your parents?
It’s not difficult. In fact, you probably learned the most important rules when you were younger. You know, rules like:
- Don’t post any personal information online - like your address, email address, or mobile number.
- Never give out your passwords.
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
Adults are sponges too when they’re learning about something new. They listen. Are you talking?
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