How to Protect Children Online

As Internet usage has soared during the past few years, children have been one of the fastest-growing groups to be online. Kids between the ages of 6 and 17 use the Internet an average of six hours per week, and about 35 percent of preschool-aged children are online.

10 TIPS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE
The following tips can help you ensure your children’s safety on the Internet:

1. Set guidelines for computer use and have older children sign an Internet usage contract. For example, see www.protectkids.com/parentsafety/pledge.htm.

2. Keep the computer in an open, common area such as a family room, as opposed to a bedroom or basement.

3. Become familiar with the Internet yourself and spend time online with your children.

This is a contract available at www.protectkids.com which encourages kids to follow their parents’ rules about Internet use.

4. Use blocking or filtering software to shield children from harmful material online. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer blocking options with parental controls. You also can purchase filtering programs that prevent children from accessing objectionable sites, as well as programs that track children’s online activities. Search for “Internet blocking software” for several options from which to choose.(Try http://www.k9webprotection.com/)

5. Learn about the Internet services your children use, sites they visit, and their online friends. Bookmark their favorite destinations so they’re easy to access. Occasionally review their “history” to see where they’ve been, too.

6. Instruct children never to give out personal information, passwords or pictures on the Internet.

7. Monitor children’s e-mail messages by either sharing an account with them or by frequently accessing their accounts.

8. Tell children to immediately report to you anything that makes them uncomfortable. Report obscene messages or images to the CyberTipline at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1 800 843-5678, or www.cybertipline.com.

9. Make sure children do not agree to meet an online acquaintance unless it’s in public and you’re present.

10. Instruct children not to enter chat rooms, buy products online, or download photos or links from strangers.