Practicing Internet safety is important for all families. As a net-savvy adult, you know that the ways of the web lend themselves to potential exploitation. But when your kid gets behind the computer, sexual predators who operate methodically and innocuously are of tantamount concern. The federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act can help protect your children's online information, says the Nemours Foundation's KidsHealth website. However, your kid's best source of Internet safety advice begins and ends with you.
Biggest Danger
When it comes to Internet safety, keeping your child safe from sexual predators is likely at the top of your list. Sexual predators may cultivate online relationships with children surreptitiously, says the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and are often invest a lot of time and money to "court" unwitting victims. According to the FBI, online predators foster a relationship with your child with kindness, attention and even gifts. Keeping tabs of you child's favorite interests, music and outside interests further curries your child's favor. According to the FBI, some online predators gradually introduce sexual content into their communications, while others act immediately. Some predators simply want to expand their collection of child pornography, while others try to meet children in person. Sex offenders can be of any age or gender, the FBI cautions.
Other Dangers
Your child may be exposed to more than he expected during a simple Internet search, says the Nemours Foundation. A simple misspelling or missed keystroke can redirect your child to a pornographic website. You can keep your child safe from inappropriate content by using online tools and software that allows you to screen out dangerous content. Alternately, some service providers give you services that allow you more control over the type of material that your child can access. Although these tools can be helpful, the Nemours Foundation stresses that none will completely keep your kid completely safe from pornographic websites and sexual predators.
Safety Strategies
The Internet Education Organization suggests talking about Internet safety with your kids. Your most sage advice to your children is to never give out personal information to strangers, including their last name, phone number, address, school or passwords to email accounts. If your child wants to meet a new Internet friend, make sure you go along as well. Emphasize the dangers of emailing photos to strangers or opening emails, files and links from strangers. Ask your children to tell you when they meet someone on the Internet who makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell your child that if she wants to purchase something online, she needs your approval and oversight.
Signs of Trouble
Be alert to signs that your child's online safety has been compromised, advises the FBI. Kids who spend a lot of time on the computer alone, especially at night, are more likely to encounter a sexual predator in a chat room. Other signs that your child may be at risk is if she receives phone calls or gifts from someone you don't know or if he quickly turns off the computer whenever you enter the room. If you find pornography on your child's computer, find out that she uses an email account belonging to someone else, or notice any of the aforementioned signs, a sit-down chat is in order, says the FBI. Express your concerns to your child, and explain the dangers of online predators. The FBI advises monitoring your child's access to real-time communication, such as chat rooms and instant messages, as well as his email.
What to Do
COPPA requires website administrators to list the site's privacy policies and obtain a parent's consent before collecting a minor's personal information, says the Nemours Foundation. However, such laws do not apply to end users. If you or your child has received child pornography or a sexual predator has solicited your child or sent her explicit images, the FBI advises you contact the police, the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
