Child Safety Tips on the Internet
The Internet can be a dangerous place for children to play in. Although it is full of information and resources to make your life easier, it also makes inappropriate content much more accessible. Learn what steps you must take to keep your children from viewing inappropriate websites or coming in contact with dangerous people.
Other People Are Reading
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Communication
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Set rules for Internet use. Inform your children that they should never give their real names, address, phone number, passwords or the name of their schools to anyone they meet online. Inform your children of the dangers of search engines; she may type in a word or phrase that is innocent, but inappropriate results can still appear. Teach your children that predators often pose as children to gain access to other kids. Forbid your child from meeting anyone in person that she has met online. Do not let your child upload photos of herself or download pictures from a website, as they could contain explicit content. Tell your child to inform you any time she feels uncomfortable with Internet content.
Limit Accessibility
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Do not allow your child to have a computer in his bedroom; only allow Internet use in a central location. Provide a list of appropriate websites and tell him what kinds of websites are not allowed. Check and approve any other websites that your child wishes to visit. Schedule time for Internet use and don't allow your kids to use the computer late at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting screen time, including television and computer use, to two hours or less per day. Use Windows Live Family Safety, parental controls, pop-up blockers or a service such as Net Nanny to filter your Internet use.
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Social Networking
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Limit your child's access to social networking sites, instant messaging and chat rooms. Help her create a profile when you feel she is old enough for social networking. Use a nickname instead of her real name. Do not include any personal information in your child's profile. Use a sports team logo, a cartoon character or a picture of a favorite toy for her profile picture. Control the privacy settings for the profile and keep a record of the password. Inform her of your expectations and tell her not to talk to people she doesn't know.
Signs of Trouble
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Observe your child's Internet habits. If he uses the computer late at night or quickly shuts down a website or turns off the monitor when you approach, it could be a sign of trouble. Be concerned if your child gets phone calls, packages or gifts from someone you don't know. Your child may become withdrawn or defensive when questioned about his Internet use. Check your computer's online history for inappropriate content and talk to him about any concerns.
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References
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