Internet Safety

Internet Safety Links:

www.media-awareness.ca
www.atg.wa.gov/safetynet
www.getnetwise.org
www.netsmartz.org
www.onguardonline.gov
www.safekids.com
www.wiredsafety.com

The Internet is a wonderful tool that links our children and teens to a world of information, experiences and ideas that might not otherwise be available to them. However, the Internet can expose children and teens to numerous risks and dangers.

Consider the following statistics from the report Online Victimization: A Report on the Nation’s Youth by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report represents children between the ages of 10 and 17.

In the last year…

  • 1 in 5 received a sexual solicitation
  • 1 in 33 were aggressively solicited. In these cases, a solicitor asked to meet them, called them, or sent them mail or gifts
  • 1 in 4 had unwanted exposure to pictures of naked people or sexual activity
  • 1 in 17 were threatened or harassed

It’s important to educate your children and teach them how to better protect themselves. Here are some things from the Media Awareness Network that families can do to encourage today’s computer-savvy young people to be computer safe:

Learn about the Internet, and what your kids do on it
Find our how the Net works, and how to navigate around it. If your local school, community center or library offers courses, sign up. Have your kids show you where they go on line, and what they do. If you talk openly with your kids about their Internet habits, they’ll feel comfortable coming to you if they ever encounter a problem online.

Create a family agreement on Internet Use
With your kids’ input, create a family online agreement. It should contain guidelines on proper online conduct, safeguarding personal information, what areas and activities are off limits, and what to do if they encounter a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared.

Create your own list of great sites
Ask other parents, teachers or librarians for their recommendations, or use a reputable online directory of recommended kids sites. Your list should include some kid-friendly search engines for your child to use when they are looking for information online.

Teach your children never to give out personal information.
The most important online safety rule you can teach your kids is to protect their personal privacy. They should never give out their name, email address, street address, phone number or picture without your permission. This rule also applies to all cyber-environments: chat rooms, e-mail, Web sites, instant messaging, file-sharing networks and online games.
Encourage good Netiquette
“Netiquette” – short for “Net etiquette” – is the code of conduct for the Internet. More than just having good manners, this also means not engaging in activity such as inciting hatred, reading other people’s mail, or copying someone else’s software, online art or written work.
Encourage an open dialogue with kids regarding Internet conduct.
Teens, especially, tend to be adventuresome and curious, and may seek out sites and activities that aren’t appropriate for them. Keep the lines of communication open, so you know what they are doing online – and so they’ll feel comfortable coming to you if they get into trouble.
Put your connected computer in a well-used are of your home
Make sure that your computer with Internet access is in a public part of your house, such as a family room or even the kitchen – so you can keep an eye on what your kids are doing. Do not put it in a child’s bedroom.
Explore technological tools to filter content and control Internet access
Talk to your Internet service provider about what parental control tools it offers its customers. Visit a computer store to find out what filtering and blocking software you can install on your computer to control Internet access. However, be aware that these tools are far from perfect – and should never replace adult supervision and involvement.