Internet Safety Tips

 

Did you know...?

• 1 out of 5 kids has been sexually solicited online

• 1 out of 4 kids has been sent a picture of naked people or people having sex online

• An estimated 725,000 people have been aggressively pursued for sex online

• 50 percent of people have made phone calls with someone they chatted with online

• That May 21, 2002 there was the first death of a child linked directly to an Internet Predator?

Parents' biggest concern about the Internet used to be pornography, but there is definitely a greater fear today.

 

You have probably taught your child not to talk to strangers, and in many situations, they would remember this. But the Internet is different.

 

Due to the Internet's anonymity, strangers are talking to children all the time. They try to gain the child's trust by having friendly conversation at first, but over time, their true objective of sexually soliciting the child becomes evident. Children and parents alike are unaware of this, yet this is exactly what is going on via the Internet.

 

What can today's parent do? Armed with information, there's quite a bit a parent can do.
 

1. Tell your child to NEVER EVER reveal their name, address, phone number or any other personal information to ANYONE online. Once you give out this information, it is impossible to retract.

 

2. Communicate regularly (not just once) with your child about WHAT they do online and WHO they talk to online. If you have actually met the friends they are talking to in person, you'll know it is OK for them to chat with them online.

 

3. Take computers out of kids' rooms and put them into public areas such as the family room. Many parents think they are helping with homework by giving the kids a computer, but it also opens certain dangers that you may be unaware of.

 

4. Choose your child's screen name, email address or instant message name wisely - don't' reveal ages, sex, hobbies, and CERTAINLY NOT suggestive or sexy names. Predators are more likely to pursue a child with the screen name "sexyteen5" than "happygirl5".

 

5. Use technology to help you protect your child. Monitoring software gives you the ability to review your child's Internet usage. Even if you don't look at each and every email or instant message they send, you'll have a good idea if they are making smart choices online.

 

The Internet can open many doors and provide useful information for children. An aware and informed parent can help keep children safe.

 

 

Tips for Teens

The most important thing to remember is that when you're online, you're out in public. Never communicate anything on the Internet that you wouldn't want known to the public at large. You should also remember that people you meet in cyberspace might not be who they seem to be.  It is really easy for someone to tell you they are your age, in the same grade at school, and share the same concerns as you.  However, it is quite possible that person is entirely different than you, and everything they say is done to mislead you.  Be careful, always.

 

Don't Let Anyone Know Who You Are

If you're in any type of public forum (e.g.: chat, e-mail, etc.) avoid giving out your full name, your mailing address, your telephone number, the name of your school, or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity. The same applies to your family and friends. Never reveal anything about other people that could possibly get them into trouble.

 

Never Get Together With Someone You "Meet" Online

The biggest danger to your safety is if you get together with someone you "meet" online. Remember, you never know for certain if people you meet online are who they say they are.

 

If a Message, Newsgroup or Chat Line Comment  Makes You Uncomfortable...Don't Respond

Some people write things that are mean or hostile.  It isn't your fault if you get a message like that, or if it  makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. If you get such a message, don't respond. Instead, show it to your parents or a trusted adult to see if there is anything you can do to make it stop. Sending a response just encourages the person.

 

Find Out What Your Parents Think About About Going Online.  What Are Their Expectations?

It's important that you and your parents agree about your online activities. This includes when you can go online, how long you can stay online, and what activities you can do online. Communicating with your parents doesn't mean that you have to give up your privacy. It just means that you come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding. While you're at it, perhaps you can help your parents better understand the Internet, what it can be used for, and how it is helpful for teens.