Protecting Kids Online Starts with Communication About Internet Safety
As the Internet has grown in popularity, so has the need to practice Internet safety for kids. Many kids know how to use computers and the Internet, but many more don't know what dangers await them online. Keeping communication lines open — letting kids know that they can talk to you — is critical to child Internet safety.
- Be careful with personal information. Practicing child Internet safety means telling kids never to give out their addresses or telephone numbers, nor to share similar information about their parents, guardians, or friends. Everyone who visits an online chat room risks coming in contact with a sex offender.
- Don't post pictures online. Kids know a lot more about Internet functions than Internet safety. You need to remind kids never to post pictures of themselves on the Internet. Sexual predators can hide their bad intentions online. Help kids understand that their "online friends" may not be what they seem.
- Beware requests for private meetings. Online sex predators often ask kids to meet in person. Be sure to approve (or deny) any online meeting requests your child makes beforehand and to accompany your child to any such meetings; to be even more safety-conscious, make sure the meeting is held in a public place.
- Monitor kids' e-mail accounts. Part of establishing trust with kids is helping them understand that not everything they receive by e-mail comes from a trusted friend. If your child receives something "inappropriate," assure them that it's not their fault, and take steps to keep messages sent via that e-mail address from reaching their in-box.
- Stick to a set schedule. Try to remind kids that using the Internet is a privilege that they have to earn and keep. Create a schedule that includes times when online use is allowed, and make sure they stick to it.
Child Internet safety is a two-way street; if they believe that you trust them to practice Internet safety, kids will come to you with questions and problems. Keep this list of Internet safety tips near your computer, and review it with your children. Establishing communication quickly will make kids' Internet safety much easier for everyone.