Computers and the Internet are a way of life for many kids, but safety always is an issue. Make sure your kids are aware of safety and privacy when viewing the Internet and using social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace, or sending messages through blogs or email. Following some guidelines can help keep kids, and your computer, safe from cyber dangers. Regardless of age, young children to teens should be aware of basic safety and privacy rules of the house before using a computer at home, school, the library or a friend's house.
Keep it Private
Teach your children not to divulge private information about themselves on a computer. This means not releasing home addresses, phone numbers, full names or where you attend school when using social networking sites or on chat rooms, forum boards or bulletin boards, according to the FBI. Children of all ages should understand that divulging such information can be dangerous.
Red Flags
Children should be aware of red flags when using the Internet, and especially social networking sites if they're contacted by individuals who say they want to meet. Anytime someone suggests a meeting, discuss the situation with your parents first. Don't take chances. You don't know who's on the other side of the computer connection. The possibility exists that the person is using an assumed identity and may behave inappropriately.
Surf Safely
Parents should take the time to block websites they don't want kids to visit. You can block websites using the security and safety features found on most computers made as of 2010, or by purchasing filtering software that can be downloaded onto your computer. Children of all ages should be aware that any posted message on the Internet may enable others to see and retrieve the email address used to make the post. The best approach is to avoid writing such messages.
Oversight
To help keep kids safe, place family-use computers in a common living area so online activity can be monitored by adults. Older children and teens should be taught to notify a parent immediately if they receive any threatening or uncomfortable messages regarding obscene content, cyber-bullying or other objectionable content, according to KidsHealth, a website run by the Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media.
You Can't Take it Back
Children should realize that once they post something online, they can't take it back, according to OnGuard Online, a website run by the U.S. government that focuses on computer safety. Teach children to be responsible and use good judgment when it comes to creating online posts in social messaging environments. Kids should be taught to understand that a person's feelings and relationships can be permanently damaged if he or she is the target of inconsiderate, false or exaggerated comments made online in a moment of anger.
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