As the use of technology becomes commonplace among children and adults alike, parents face a new worry of protecting children from predators who use the Internet as a tool to find victims. Children using the Internet may be inadvertently exposed to inappropriate contact, content or conduct, according to iKeepSafe.org. You can protect your child from predators during online use by utilizing parental controls, monitoring your child's Internet use and setting rules for your child's online activities.
Step 1
Choose an Internet provider that offers parental controls. Many Internet service providers have built-in parental controls you can access. Use parental controls to block sites you do not want your child to visit. The Kids Health website recommends blocking access to private chat rooms where Internet predators often try to lure children.
Step 2
Ensure that Internet access on publicly accessed computers is monitored by adults. Your child may have access to the Internet at school or at the library. The FBI advises parents to talk with teachers or librarians to find out if Internet access is monitored by adults or if other safety devices have been installed to keep your child safe. Some schools and libraries require parental permission before your child can access the computers. If adult monitoring is not available or if you are concerned with the safety of your child using the Internet in these locations, you may opt not to sign the permission form or ask to revoke it.
Step 3
Set safety rules for your child. The National Crime Prevention Council website recommends advising your child never to give out personal information, including address, phone number or school information. Also advise your child never to agree to meet someone in person whom she met online without your permission. If you do give permission, make sure the meeting takes place somewhere public and with your monitoring or monitoring by another trusted adult. Your child should know not to respond to messages with inappropriate language, content or anything that seems weird. Tell your child never to share her picture with others online unless you give permission.
Step 4
Monitor your child's Internet activity. The FBI recommends requiring your child to give you passwords to Internet accounts so you can access the accounts to randomly check e-mail or messages. Communicate honestly with your child regarding the importance of this. An article on the Good Housekeeping website also advises you to visit your child's social networking profiles. Read the profile closely to ensure no personal information has been shared and that your child has not been receiving inappropriate or bullying remarks. Another method of monitoring your child's Internet activity and keeping him safe from predators is to keep your computer in a common room of the home. Do not provide a computer in your child's room, in a private office or allow your child to take a laptop to a private area of the home. This way you can see exactly what sites your child visits, whom your child communicates with and ensure no inappropriate material is being viewed.
Step 5
Document and report obscene or threatening messages. If you find evidence of or if your child alerts you to obscene or threatening messages, maintain a copy and forward it to your Internet provider. Although individuals may be able to hide behind anonymity to Internet users, Internet service providers can track accounts and discover the responsible party. The Kids Health website also advises parents to contact authorities if you or your child receives or sees any child pornography on the Internet. Tracking instances of child pornography may help authorities uncover child predators before more children are hurt.
