Online Safety for Kids

More often than not, kids know more about the Internet and computers than their parents. This need not stop you from learning. In fact, this is an opportunity to have your child teach you about the Internet. Sit down with your child and explain to them what's good and not so good about the Internet. Regardless of how Web-literate your kids are, you should still provide guidance.

Here are some tips to follow when advising your kids on Internet use:

• Never give out identifying information like home address, telephone number, or school name.
• Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make it in a public place, and accompany your child.
• Keep track of any files your children download and consider sharing an e-mail account to oversee their mail.
• Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Someone pretending to be a 13-year-old girl could in reality be a 40-year-old man.
• Be wary of offers that want you to send money or credit card information.
• Check out filtering programs that block sites that contain nudity, sexual content, hateful or violent material, or that advocate the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
• Attend online classes and spend some time listening to and speaking with other concerned parents.
• Keep your computer in a family room rather than a child’s bedroom, where you can keep an eye on it. You wouldn't allow a stranger in your child’s bedroom; don't allow them in via computer either.
• Grant your children Internet access only when you are at home and awake. If they can't hang out at the park at all hours of the night, they shouldn't be surfing then either.
• Talk to your children about the things they may encounter online. You don't have to scare them, but they need to know the risks.
• If your children encounter material online that makes them frightened or uncomfortable, they should always feel comfortable talking to you about it. Try not to respond in a way that blames them or they’ll be afraid to come to you the next time.