If your child has switched over to online learning due to Covid-19, ‘zoombombing’ is a word you should know.
Students have reported patiently waiting for class to begin and then being bombarded with illicit images, messages, and threats.
“There is an increase in cyber tips involving children,” said Charles Kicklighter of the Georgia Cyber Crimes Center. He notes that virtual learning had “Widened the pool for predators looking for children. It gives them a wider hunting ground.”
Children as young as five have received illicit messages, prompting officials to remind parents to educate their children about never sharing personal information or passwords.
These child-targeted crimes also highlight the importance of parental vigilance during school hours. Virtual classes still require parental or adult supervision.
Here are a few ways ‘zoombombing’ can be avoided: