Protecting Your Children Online

The Internet is a tremendous educational tool for children, but it can also be dangerous if kids are allowed to explore in an unsupervised, unfiltered environment. By taking these simple steps, you can reduce online threats to your children.

• Keep your computer in a central and open location in your home.
• Be aware of other computers your child may use at a friend’s home, the library, etc.
• Discuss and set rules for computer use. Post these rules by the computer as a reminder.
• Use the Internet with your children. Familiarize yourself with your children's online activities and talk with your child about what sites they visit.
• Implement parental control tools available from some service providers and for purchase as separate software packages. Remember no program is a substitute for parental supervision.
• Consider software that allows you to monitor your children's email and web traffic.
• Create a separate account for each family member and assign appropriate access. Most operating systems allow you to create multiple accounts. This can eliminate worries that your child may accidentally access, modify and/or delete your files.
• Know who your children's online friends are and supervise their chat areas.
• Teach your children never to give out personal information to people they meet online, such as in chat rooms or bulletin boards.
• Even though children may have better computer skills, don't be intimidated by their knowledge. Children need advice, guidance and protection. Encourage your child to ask you any question they may have about behaviors or problems they may encounter on the computer.

Social Media and your children

Many adults and kids use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to exchange information about themselves, share pictures and videos, and communicate with friends and strangers alike. Here are some tips for parents who want to make sure their children use social media sites safely:

• Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child’s page. Some social networking sites have strong privacy settings built in. Show your child how to use them and explain why it’s important.
• Encourage your child to think about the words they use and to think before posting pictures and videos. Remind them that potential employers, college admissions officers, team coaches and teachers may view their postings. Also encourage kids to think about the impression that their screen name can make.
• Remind them that once they post information online, they can't take it back.
• Talk to your kids about bullying. Online bullying can take many forms, from spreading rumors online to forwarding private messages and sending threatening emails. Make sure they understand that the words they type and the images they post can have real-world consequences. Encourage your children to talk to you if they feel targeted by an online bully.
• Encourage them to trust their instincts. If they feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, encourage them to tell you. Most sites have links where users can immediately report abusive, suspicious or inappropriate online behavior.