Internet Safety

The internet can be a wonderfull resource for kids.  They can use it to research school reports, communicate with their teachers and other children, and of course do not forget the games.  Any child who is old enough to punch in a few letters on a keyboard has the world at their finger-tips.

This access can be wonderful; however, it can also pose hazards and expose our children to things that as a parent you would not wish for them to be exposed to.  Just like any other safety issues, it is a good isea to talk with your children about any concerns and protect them from potential dangers.  By knowing what their activities are while they are on line is a great way to start.

There are online tools that you can use to control your child's access to adult material and help protect your children from internet predators.  However, you need to keep in mind that no option is going to guarantee that your child will be kept away from 100% of the risk that await out there on the internet super highway.

Many of your internet service providers provide parental control options to block certain material from accessing your child's computer.  There is also software that can help block your child's access to certain sites based on a "bad site" list that your ISP creates.  Filtering programs can block sites from coming in and restrict your child's personal information from being sent online.  you can also find programs to monitor and track your child's online activity.  You should also help your child create a screen name to help protect their real identity.  Along with the list of tools following, it is a good idea for you to get involved in your child's online activities, not to a point that you do not give them any privacy, but an active role that helps protect them from internet predators and sexually explicit materials that are floating out there in the wide world of cyber-space.

A Few Simple Tools

1. Become computer literate if not already

2. Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, this helps you monitor your child.

3. Share an email account so messages can be monitored

4. Bookmark your child's favorite sites for easy access

5. Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior

6. Do not let your child enter into private chat rooms, block them with safety features provided by your internet service provider.  You need to be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals your child's email address to others.

7. Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges

8. Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school, after school center, friend's homes, or any place where your child has access to a computer.

9. Take your child seriously if he/she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.

10. Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages you or your child receives to your internet service provider.

As a parent it is your job to be aware of what your child's computer activities are and to educate them about risk when going online.  Following a few simple steps does not mean smothering your child.  They do need some freedom when using the net, you just need to be aware of their activities and sites they may be visiting.  Sexual predators and those that wish to harm the inocent are sneaky and know how to lure children into their webs.  Just be aware and teach your child what not to reveal when on the net.  You can set up simple rules that your child can follow while they are using the internet to keep them safe and to give you alittle peace of mind knowing that you are keeping your child safe.

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-002.html

http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/safesoftware.php

http://www.cyberangels.org/