Seven Ways to Protect Kids on the Internet

Parents can help teach children how to be safe online.

The Internet serves as a valuable tool for children to find information, but kids face threats from dangerous individuals trying to scam others, harm their computers or gather information about them for malicious purposes. As a parent, you have an important role in protecting your children from everyday threats, including those on the Web. You can supervise your children, educate them and gain computer knowledge to have a better chance of keeping your children safe online.

Supervision

Put the family computer out in the living room or in another public space. Don’t watch everything your child does, but occasionally check to make sure that he isn’t on an inappropriate website or using certain language, such as sexually explicit or violent language, when chatting or sending messages to others. Ask him about the sites he is visiting if you are unsure about the websites’ content.

Regulations

Sit down with your child to discuss rules for his Internet use, such as websites he isn’t allowed to view. Only allow your child on the Internet for a certain amount of time each day, and check on him to make sure that he isn’t getting on the Internet when he is supposed to be finishing chores or doing his homework. Set and enforce punishments, such as taking away computer privileges for a week, when your child breaks the rules. Make sure that your child is aware that under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, websites aren’t allowed to gather information of children under the age of 13.

Children Education

Educate your child on the dangers he will encounter on the Web. Let him know how important it is not to give out his personal information, including his name, address, Social Security Number, telephone number and email, to people or companies he doesn’t know. Let him know how certain sites, such as pornographic, chat or gambling websites, pose threats not only to his personal safety but also to your computer’s security.

Parental Education

Become educated on how to use computers and the Internet so that you have firsthand knowledge of why accessing certain websites, opening up certain types of emails or using specific chat sites is dangerous. Get a better understanding of features, such as multimedia features, on websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Use your knowledge of computers to control access to your family computer and accounts.

Parental Controls

Use Internet filtering software to block your child from accessing certain websites, such as social media or pornographic websites. Using parental control software ensures that your child won’t accidentally gain access to a website that is meant for adults. If you own a computer with Windows, set up separate accounts with different passwords for different family members. Certain programs, such as Windows Live Family Safety, CyberPatrol, Net Nanny and CYBERsitter, help you to control the amount of time your child is able to spend or the programs he can access on the Internet; they also let you choose websites that your child is prohibited from viewing.

Monitoring

Keep track of the websites your child is viewing by using Internet filtering software or by looking at your Web browser’s Internet history. Look for websites or accounts that look suspicious or that your child isn’t allowed to view. Monitor the type of posts and pictures he is putting up online to make sure he isn’t putting inappropriate materials, such as posts with swear words or half-naked pictures, on websites. On social media websites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, become your child’s friend so that you can regularly monitor his activities.

Interactive Computer Use

Make getting on the Internet a family activity so that you can see what websites your child is accessing in a more upfront and interactive manner. Talk with your child about websites in a more social manner instead of lecturing him to help educate him on Internet safety and use and build trust between you and your child.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety
• Microsoft Corporation: Protecting Your Kids with Family Safety
• Parental Guidance: Protect Your Children with an Internet Filter
• Computer Internet Security Info: Internet Safety for Kids
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Safety Tips
• California Office of Privacy Protection: Protecting Your Child’s Privacy Online
• Nemours Foundation: Internet Safety
• Internet Safety: Internet Safety’s 5 Tips for Creating a Safe Cybersafe Home

Resources

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Safety Tips
• Police Notebook; What Can I Do to Be Net Safe; Richard M. Hamilton
• Federal Trade Commission: How to Protect Kids’ Privacy Online: A Guide for Teachers
• Computer Safety for Kids; Internet Safety Keeping Your Children Safe; August 2011
• National PTA: Parent Strategy for Internet Safety