How to Protect Kids' Privacy Online

Children today have grown up with the Internet, and know no fear navigating technology and the Worldwide Web. But there are dangers lurking for children online, from sexual predators to unscrupulous companies to scam artists looking for easy money. It's best to know how to protect kids' privacy online so you can help them stay safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Know the law; 13 is the cutoff-age for a Federal law on kids' privacy online. Any website that takes information from children younger than 13 must post their privacy policy online. They have to tell you what types of information they collect and what they plan to do with it, as well as letting you know if they turn the information over to a third party. They must post a contact that you can reach with questions.
2. Think about whether you want to give your OK to providing information. Most sites require an adult's permission unless it's a one-time thing. If anything about the site makes you nervous, just say no to protect your child's privacy.
3. Set family rules. Make sure your children know what type of information they can give out. Know your kids' online friends. Make them use chat rooms and instant messenger screen names that won't reveal personal information. Have them be sure to exclude anything traceable within the profile.
4. Look at any information your child gives to a website. You are allowed by law to see it. The site should also verify that you are really the parent, so the child's information isn't given out to anyone improper.
5. Understand that if you aren't comfortable with a website or how they relate to your child, you can take back your permission to take information. If you demand it, the website has to delete the data they've already collected, and stop taking any more personal information from your child.
6. Be aware of any changes in the website's privacy policy. They must notify you if they make "material changes," so if your child signs up for a newsletter, the company must let you know if they later start using that information to let your kid into a chat room, or sell it to another company.
7. Get involved. Know what your children are doing online. Filtering software and other tools can help, but they aren't as good as your participation. You need to check out their pages on social networks like Myspace and Facebook to be sure the content protects your kids' privacy online. You might want to keep the computer in the family room instead of your child's room so you can keep better track of their online activities. They may not like it, but it's important to protect kids' privacy online.

Tips & Warnings

• Never let your children give out personal information even in an email without your permission, nor share passwords with anyone else, and make sure they know not to respond to messages which make them uncomfortable. Don't allow a face-to-face meeting without you being present as well.