These days, the only sure way to protect kids fully from online predators is to keep them off the Internet completely. Since that's not usually an option, you can take other steps to make sure kids don't fall into traps set by online predators. Keeping kids safe is about more than just looking over their shoulder as they surf the Web.
Step 1
Teach children the importance of guarding their personal information. Kids should never give out information such as their full name, address, birthday, what school they go to or family members to people on the Internet they don't know personally.
Step 2
Monitor your children's Internet activity, such as what types of sites they're visiting. You don't have to spy on your kids, but knowing if they're going to chat rooms can help you start a conversation with them about safe chatting.
Step 3
Inform kids it's never OK to agree to meet with someone they've met online. If a legitimate reason exists to meet someone from the Internet, they should always talk to you about it first so you can act as a chaperone if you feel the meeting is appropriate.
Step 4
Encourage kids to be comfortable coming to you if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable online, such as inappropriate or threatening e-mails.
Step 5
Install a filter on your computer to keep your child off any sites you find inappropriate. Thoroughly read the user's manual and change the password frequently. Kids are often more adept at using the computer than adults, so you have to be vigilant in making sure the filter is working in order to keep your child safe and away from predators.
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