A generation ago, it seemed like every kid in America had a set of encyclopedias on his bookshelf. Now computers are the standard for doing research and gathering information, and the Internet opens doors to dangers unheard of in the encyclopedia age. As easily as your child can find out who signed the Declaration of Independence, he can stumble into an adult chat room. He can keep in touch with far-off friends, but is at risk for making new "friends" that don't have his best interests in mind. There are steps you can take to help your child stay safe online.
Supervision
The FBI recommends keeping the computer in a central location, such as the family room, so you can see what your child is doing online. Check on her periodically, even when she says she's only doing homework or checking email from friends. Talk to your child about the sites she's visiting and have her show you how she uses them.
Teach Caution
Tell your child never to give away his full name, address, phone number or school information to anyone online. Explain that some adults pretend to be children online so they can meet kids and hurt them. Consider sharing real-life stories of kids who have been victimized online--keeping it age-appropriate, of course. If someone contacts him and he doesn't know who it is or the communication makes him uneasy, he should show you the message right away. Make the rules clear to your child, and stick to the consequences you decide on. Let him know the rules apply to all computer use, not just the home computer.
Utilize Technology
Many products are available that block access to certain websites. You can also install software that tracks how the computer is being used when your child is browsing online. Use this software to limit what your child can do, but don't rely on it to keep her safe. Kids may learn to bypass these programs or get online at school or at friends' homes, accessing sites you don't want them to.
Maintain Control
Keep a record of your child's login information and passwords for all his email accounts, and check them periodically. You don't need to read through all his mail, but look out for unfamiliar names or email addresses and check those out. If you allow your child to use social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, keep the passwords for those accounts as well and check his activity often. Don't allow him to request or accept friends without your approval. If you have an account on the same site, add him as a friend to make it easier to monitor his behavior.
Warning Signs
If your child begins getting online late at night or tries to hide what she's doing when you enter the room--closing or minimizing the browser quickly are red flags--be concerned. Check the computer's history; if it's been deleted that could be a sign of trouble. If she's getting phone calls or postal mail from people you don't know, she could be communicating with someone she shouldn't. If your child withdraws from family and friends or becomes reluctant to go to school, she may be the victim of cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullies torment their victims through social networking sites, email, chat and blogs, and it often goes undetected until the victim has been seriously hurt by the attacks.
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