Do you know the ins & outs of the security settings on their phone, laptop, or gaming device?
Meet Liz
Boy Mom
Robotics Coach
World Traveler
Harvard Grad
Computer Geek
Parent to a Future Hacker
What’s a “cyber mom,” you ask? It's what you get when you take a naturally geeky girl with an inclination for computers and tech and she grows into a woman with a master's degree in Computer Systems Management and two tech-savvy kids. I actually come from a family of computer nerds… my brother used to hang out at MIT just for the conversation. Fast-forward "a few" years after growing up in Boston and I found myself married and a mom to a couple of curious and creative kids.
My sons started playing on my phone at a young age. Over the years, they learned to use a Kindle Fire, laptop, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One (just to name a few). Then, they had their own cell phones. Before I knew it, these boys knew more about bypassing device limits than I did! Sound familiar?
My youngest has already figured out how to hack our home computer with his iPhone. Some people are motivated to climb the corporate ladder at their tech company… I’m motivated to keep my tech knowledge one step ahead of my sons’. As a mom, I’ve seen some frightening things on the internet. So, I re-engaged in learning along with my boys.
My research into the tech my kids were using showed me that most default settings include open communication with anyone on the internet… some apps were broadcasting their location even when they weren't actively using the app (this applies to adult apps as well, by the way). It frightened me, and I became passionate about protecting them and teaching them about how to keep themselves safe online. When they got new devices, I’d learn how to put time limits on it so they didn’t spend all day gaming. I made sure their devices filtered out R-rated content and I changed the settings on their games to prevent online chats with strangers.
Friends started asking me for advice about which games and cell phones are best for young kids. Other friends asked me to help set up time limits and security settings on their kid’s devices. As more friends came to me with requests, I realized this could be a business! Many of my smart, busy friends just can’t keep up with the ever-changing devices and settings.
So, here I am! Growing my businesses using my own passion for technology and the word of mouth of friends. Can I help you keep your kids safe online?
Why it's important to keep your kids safe online...
Updating settings on phones, laptops and gaming devices is something anyone can do, but many parents don't take the time to update them. Even in my tech-savvy area of Northern Virginia many parents aren’t aware of the many dangers hidden in the seemingly harmless apps marketed for kids.
Do you know about the dangers of location sharing in Google Maps? Have you heard about the issues with Roblox and on-line chats? Are your tweens broadcasting their names to the world on TikTok? Does your teen know more about VPNs than you do?
Finding the time to google all the latest apps and safest security settings is overwhelming. I get it. All parents have been there, I'm here to support you.
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How it works...
Educate.
My goal is education for families, both parents and children. Kids should be aware of what information is being shared about them online via the apps they use. Parents need to be informed about the security of their kids' devices and apps to keep them safe.
We will discuss the specific needs of your family and come up with a strategy that everyone is comfortable with. I will then walk you through the steps to implement the new settings and show you how to update as needed.
Protect.
You’ve probably heard scary stories in the news about online predators. Even smart kids can be naïve online. I want to help you explain the dangers to your kids in an age-appropriate way. I find families have the best results when kids are included in the conversation.
I do not advocate “spying” on your kids. My goal is for you and your kids to have an open dialog about screen time limits and security settings. With tech constantly changing, I want parents to have some control over their children’s online safety.
Empower.
After working with me, you will feel more confident in adjusting screen time limits as well as security settings for all the latest apps. You will know what to look for when the next hot app drops and your child wants to download it. And your children will also be empowered with the knowledge of how to be more aware of their safety online.
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"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." ~ Kofi Annan
What parents are saying...
"My son said all his friends were using a new online game but I wasn’t so sure. I learned more about it from Liz and decided it was too violent.”
Mom of 12-year old
"My friends are impressed when they see me using my iPhone to limit my son’s Xbox time, even when I’m not home. Liz walked me through the set-up process. Liz brought peace to my mind and my household!"
Mom of 15-year old
“Thanks, Liz, for making me a little less nervous about a buying a smartphone for my tween.”
Mom of 11 & 12-year olds