The Corporation for Public Broadcasting reports that 78 percent of children live in a home with Internet access, and 65 percent of children under age 17 use the Internet regularly. Though the Internet provides a wealth of information, resources and entertainment, it can also pose a threat to children. Unsafe or unsupervised Internet use can result in exposure to pornography or other unsuitable material, stalking, cyber-bullying, sexual predation and even abduction.
Parental Control Programs
In addition to monitoring Internet use, one way for parents to protect children from online dangers is to use parental control or content filtering software. Some of these programs are available as free downloads, while others are available for purchase online or in stores. Parental control programs include features that block adult-oriented sites, allow parents to create a block list, require a password to access certain sites and show usage reports.
Online Educational Programs
Quality, online programs can help teach children about safe Internet use. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children hosts NetSmartz Workshop, a website with resources for parents, educators, law enforcement officials, teens and children. The site contains interactive features such as stories, games and videos to help illustrate common dangers and situations that occur with Internet use.
Web Wise Kids is an Internet safety educational site that provides children with games and tips about safe Internet use. The site also features true stories, such as that of Katie, who used the site's tips to discover that her online boyfriend was a child predator.
Seminars and Classes
Many schools, libraries and community centers offer seminars and workshops on Internet safety for children. These programs teach children and teens about topics such as safety on social networking sites, the importance of not divulging private information and avoiding common traps set by child predators. In 2007, Virginia became the first state to require Internet safety education in schools.
The programs also provide information for parents and educators to help recognize and prevent online predation, cyber-bullying and other negative consequences of Internet use. Then Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell stated that there is a disconnect between parents and children regarding the realities of Internet danger. Children do not realize that their online actions can lead to real-life harm, while many parents do not know enough about Internet usage to adequately educate and warn their children.
