How to keep your kids safe on the Internet

The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with distant family and other kids, and play interactive games. But that access can also pose hazards to your children. For example, your 8-year-old might log on to a search engine and type in a simple word like 'Lego.' But with just one missed keystroke, he or she might enter the letters l-e-g-s instead, only to be directed to thousands of websites with a focus on legs -- some of which you can bet contain pornographic material. Remember: Any child who is old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can literally access the world. And, if you have a techie child like I do, then you already know that they can figure out how to do a lot of things without your help ... while this does allow them to learn a lot on their own, it can also get them into trouble.

That being said, don't keep your children off the internet, instead learn how to keep your children safe because truth is the internet is amazing (don't let anyone tell you different.)

It's also just as important to be aware if your slightly older children are meeting people online ... too many parents say things like 'my child would never meet anyone from the Internet' ... yet the reality is that there are many kids who are looking for something more ... and when a stranger tells them how wonderful they are and how happy they can make them ... don't be fooled! Your kids (yes, your kids and mine too) will believe them.

So to protect your children, take the time to become internet savvy. I found these great tips from Content Watch, Inc, Not only will they help to protect your children, they will teach you how to better navigate the Internet so that you can find the information you need. (Check out and share the link to the video too.)

1. First educate yourself, then your child.
   Banning a child from certain sites may only motivate them to spend more time on them, whereas educating that child on how to keep safe will give them the tools they need to navigate their online world without being hurt; from not posting personal information to a site to understanding that people they are talking to may not actually be who they are. If the parents know the dangers themselves, this sets an example to the child to understand them as well.
2. Teach children the obvious identity rules.
   Tell your children NOT to put photos of themselves on the Internet or to give out their names, addresses, phone numbers, schools, or other personal information online. Here's a great video I found on why you shouldn't post photos ... It's a PSA and it's worth checking out, I particularly like the clicking noises as the photo gets passed around. Share this with your teen.
3. Install an Internet filter or family safety software.
   Family safety software is becoming extremely advanced and an effective way to filter dangerous content. Additionally, this software usually comes with tools like time management, remote monitoring and reporting, and keystroke recognition, giving families greater peace of mind and manageability.
4. Know the dangers associated with sites your children frequent.
   An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Whether it's MySpace, Facebook or another social networking site, by knowing what people are doing on your children's favorite sites that could put them in harm's way, parents can educate their children and show them the warning signs of potentially dangerous situations.
5. Teach children what to do if they encounter pornography on a home or public computer, such as at a school or a library.
   In a similar fashion to the fire warning of "stop, drop and roll," you can teach children to quickly turn off power to the computer monitor and go to get an adult. This can prevent a child from attempting to stop the situation by clicking more buttons (and thereby spreading the attack and being exposed to more porn, aka mouse-trapping). On Windows computers, hitting ALT and F4 will force close most Internet windows one at a time.
6. Manage your children's time on the Internet.
   Scheduling times when a child can be on the Internet and the amount they can be online ensures that you know when they are on the Internet and how long. By not allowing them to have free reign reduces their chances of being exposed to inappropriate content.
7. Set specific Internet guidelines for your children to live by and consistently enforce consequences, if they are not being followed.
   Giving your children specific guidelines to follow will ensure they know where they stand when it comes to how they use the Internet as well as the consequences when they breach the rules. If a parent enforces consequences consistently, their children will be more likely to follow the rules.
8. Keep computers out of children's bedrooms and in open areas.
   With PCs in the open, children will be less inclined to view and access material that may not be acceptable.
9. Create a relationship with your children that is conducive to open communication.
   Open communication and trust is extremely valuable. By letting children know what is expected from them and that their safety is a top priority, they will feel that if something happens --whether they are approached by a cyber stranger or bully of receive an inappropriate e-mail - they can approach a parent to resolve the issue without feeling they are in trouble.
10. Understand Internet Privacy Policies as they apply to your child.
    According to the FTC (www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/kidsprivacy.shtm), parents should be aware of the following as it pertains to protecting their childrens' privacy on the web:

    What Website Operators Must Do:

    Post their privacy policy.
    Websites directed to children or that knowingly collect information from kids under 13 must post a notice of their information collection practices that includes:

    • types of personal information they collect from kids-for example, name, home address, email address or hobbies.
    • how the site will use the information-for example, to market to the child who supplied the information, to notify contest winners or to make the information available through a child's participation in a chat room.
    • whether personal information is forwarded to advertisers or other third parties.
    • a contact at the site.

    Get parental consent.
    In many cases, a site must obtain parental consent before collecting, using or disclosing personal information about a child.

    Consent is not required when a site is collecting an email address to:

    • respond to a one-time request from the child.
    • provide notice to the parent.
    • ensure the safety of the child or the site.
    • send a newsletter or other information on a regular basis as long as the site notifies a parent and gives them a chance to say no to the arrangement.

    What Parents Should Do:

    Look for a privacy policy on any website directed to children.
    The policy must be available through a link on the website's homepage and at each area where personal information is collected from kids. Websites for general audiences that have a children's section must post the notice on the homepages of the section for kids.

    Read the policy closely to learn the kinds of personal information being collected, how it will be used, and whether it will be passed on to third parties. If you find a website that doesn't post basic protections for children's personal information, ask for details about their information collection practices.

    Decide whether to give consent.
    Giving consent authorizes the website to collect personal information from your child. You can give consent and still say no to having your child's information passed along to a third party.

    Your consent isn't necessary if the website is collecting your child's email address simply to respond to a one-time request for information.

Tip: Don't let your guard down. If a child is persistent enough (as they get older) they can over-ride any barriers that you put before them. If they can't over-ride the barriers you place on your home computer they will just use a different computer. Being open about the dangers is probably your best policy and try not to let technology get ahead of you ... your kids certainly won't. More safety resources can be found at Net Safety For Parents Net Links.

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