CLEARWATER, FL--(Marketwired - December 01, 2016) - With the holiday shopping season well underway, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education issued the 12 Days of Cyber Safety Tips to help parents guide their children in the safe and responsible use of the devices they receive this year.

In its 23rd Annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns Study, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ reports that more U.S. consumers than ever -- approximately 170 million people -- plan to buy technology gifts in the 2016 holiday season, representing a six percent increase over last year.

"Everywhere you look, you find lists of the hottest gadgets and devices to buy for kids, but those devices don't come with manuals on the dangers of going online or about the inherent responsibility that comes with device ownership," cautions Pat Craven, director for the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. "What happens when the wrapping paper dust settles and kids start using their gifts? Parents can feel lost. We hope these tips help parents instill cyber awareness and a sense of responsibility in their children so kids can enjoy their gifts safely."

Some of the tips include:

• Change the default password on your kids' high-tech toys and gadgets that are Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled. Most of these items come with a default or generic password that is easy to hack.

• Disable photo geotagging on all their devices. Savvy predators can use it to pinpoint your child's location from photos, videos or social media content they post.

• Set up a central charging station in your home so kids don't have their devices in their rooms late into the night.

For a complete list of all tips, please visit https://safeandsecureonline.org/parents-guardians/.

Mr. Craven added, "We want children to get started on the right foot and encourage parents to include a precious gift along with that tablet that may be obsolete in two years -- an instinct for safe surfing. Devices come and go, but cyber safety knowledge and awareness will last a lifetime."

The Center offers tips and resources to children, parents, educators and seniors that draw from the expertise of (ISC)² members, the pre-eminent cybersecurity experts in the world. Since its inception in 2006, the Center has helped 75,000 children, parents and senior citizens become responsible digital citizens.

About The Center for Cyber Safety and Education
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education (Center), is a non-profit charitable trust committed to making the cyber world a safer place for everyone. The Center works to ensure that people across the globe have a positive and safe experience online through their educational programs, scholarships, and research. Visit www.isc2cares.org.