How to Find Resources to Protect Your Child from Internet Predators

There are so many great things for your kids to do on the internet. But there are also some very bad people who take advantage of kids who are out there looking for adventure and find trouble instead. We'll show you how to find resources to empower you as a parent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• PC
• internet access

1. First, know that your child may or may not respond to you coming at them with tons of information regarding internet predators. They will view you as an overprotective parent who is overreacting. But if you have a careful approach, and let them feel like they are investigating along with you - they will be much more accepting of the information.
2. First and foremost, install a filter on your computer to ensure that they are protected from sites that could be dangerous, and from internet activities that may not be acceptable to you. Consider visiting ConsumerReports.org for information on the industry leaders.
3. The next thing you can do for your child is to arm them with information. You can tell them what the best things to do to stay safe are - but the older your child, the more you will need to ensure they see and read about real stories that have happened to real people. Obviously, the younger children should be kept away from the graphic stories that will only serve to scare them too much. Sites are abundant to give you information and share stories.
   
   Dateline: To Catch a Predator (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603/) - real predators, real busted, on TV no less.
   
   NetSmartz.org - wonderful site with a ton of resources for all ages
   
   SafeKids.com - ConnectSafely.com - these are sister sites with great information

Tips & Warnings

• ConsumerReports.org - good place for information on internet filtering (cyber-nanny)
• NetSmartz.org - lots of information, resources, for all ages and their parents