Internet Safety

Everyone should know about Internet safety.

The Internet is a wonderful resource for learning and fun, but it has its risks- especially for children.

Why is Internet safety so important?

The internet is part of most children’s lives now. While it is a rewarding educational tool, it can expose children to:

• sexually explicit material
• sexual predators and other criminals who use the internet to exploit children
• violent and other offense materials
• other illegal activities, such as gambling or drug use

You play the key role in your child’s safety while online.

Your child needs your guidance to be safe online.

When it comes to using the Internet, use the same parenting skills  you use in the “real” world. The keys to Internet safety are to:

• Learn about the Internet and how it works
• Supervise and monitor your child’s Internet use
• Teach your child about Internet safety
• Use software and other tools to help protect your child
• Know what to do if your child is exposed to a potentially dangerous situation online

The Internet- a whole new world…

It not only offers educational opportunities, but also new ways to stay in touch with people and have fun. Your child may use the Internet to:

Find Information

Your child can learn about almost anything on the Internet. “Search engines”- special programs found on the Internet- help you find websites on different topics.

A website may contain written material and pictures, and provide links to other related websites.

Some websites give accurate information, while others do not. Anyone can create a website and post information- it does not necessarily have to be truthful or accurate.

Enhance Learning

The Internet can help children:

• Access information or resources that otherwise may not be available to them
• Work on school projects
• Stay in touch with teachers and classmates
• Develop important computer-related skills.

Meet and Talk to People

The Internet offers ways to share information with people from all over the world. Some examples are:

• Chat rooms- websites where people can have real-time discussions about a common interest
• News groups, forums, or bulletin boards- discussion groups about specific topics where people post messages for others to read (and respond to) either right away or at a later time
• Instant messaging- similar to chatting, except it is usually between two or more people on a user’s “buddy” list. It is more private than chatting.

Send and receive e-mail

E-mail (electronic mail) can be sent from one computer to another anywhere in the world. E-mails can include word messages, pictures, videos, sounds or other computer files. “Spam” is electronic “junk mail.”

As a parent, you can help your child benefit from the Internet- and steer clear of its dangers!

Dangers on the Internet

The Internet can also be a risky place for children. A child may encounter:

Sexually explicit material

It is easy for anyone to accidentally come across pornography on the Internet. Some children and teens may be curious and actively seek it out.

In addition, “spam” e-mails are often about sexually related material. These e-mails often include direct links to sexually explicit sites. (Generally, sending these e-mails is not considered illegal, unless the advertiser knows the material is being sent to a child.)

Sexual predators

The internet has made it easier for some sexual predators to locate, contact and abuse children without being found out. Sexual predators often use chat rooms for this purpose. A sexual predator may try to gain access to a child’s phone number, address or other personal information.

Child pornography

Child pornography is illegal. But sexual predators can use the Internet to send and receive child pornography. They may also meet children online and lure them into being subjects of child pornography.

Violence

Children may come across material that promotes violence, including:

• Violent online games
• Instructions on how to make bombs or other weapons
• Hatred aimed at people of different backgrounds, spiritual beliefs or sexual orientation
• Graphic images of violence

Bullying

Children may be harassed or bullied by chat room members or via instant messaging. Although some chat rooms have moderators to prevent this, many do not.

Also, classmates or other people can bully a child online by posting threats or negative information on a website or by sending hateful e-mails.

Information about offensive or illegal activities

Children may also be exposed to a variety of other offensive materials or illegal activities, such as:

• Drug use, including how to get or make illegal drugs
• Gambling
• Cults

Internet safety starts with you!

Get involved! It’s the single most important thing you can do to keep your child safe online.

Learn about the Internet

Take a class in computers and the Internet at your local library or community center.

Teach your child why Internet safety is important

Explain that:

• Not everything online is true
• People using the Internet are not always who they say they are
• Some people may use the Internet to take advantage of children or for illegal activity

Go online together

Spend time online with your child to learn about his or her interests. Find information together online and learn how to use e-mail.

Keep the computer in a family area

This allows you to monitor your child’s Internet use. Avoid putting the computer in your child’s bedroom or other private area of your home.

Agree to time limits

You may want to decide what times of the day your child can go online and how much time your child can spend online.

Decide what material is off-limits

Prevent your child’s access to sites that contain material inappropriate for his or her age, such as:

• Sexual material
• Violent or hateful material
• Information about alcohol or other drugs

Find out where your child has Internet access

Your child may be able to go online at schools, public libraries, community centers and friends’ homes. At each of these locations, find out what safety measures exist to protect your child. Your child may also be able to access the internet from his or her cell phone, if your child has one.

Check your Internet history log regularly

This is a list of websites that have been most recently visited. It is usually available on your Internet browser or from your Internet services provider.

Maintain trust and communication

Respect your child’s privacy as much as possible. Let your child know you will be monitoring his or her online activity because you want to make sure he or she is safe. Talk with your child about what sites or activities are off-limits and why.

Is your child at risk for online abuse?

Every year, about one in five children will receive a sexual solicitation on the Internet.

Teach your child what to do.

Explain that if he or she ever receives a sexual or other unwelcome solicitation online, your child should:

• Not answer it
• Immediately end any contact with that person
• Report it to a parent right away

Learn the warning signs.

If your child does become involved with an online sexual predator, you may notice unusual behavior. A child who is at risk may:

• Spend long hours on the Internet- especially at night
• Switch off the screen monitor or change screens when you come into the room
• Receive odd phone calls from people you don’t know
• Receive gifts in the mail or have a lot of unexplained cash on hand
• Get upset if Internet service is cut off
• Withdraw from family friends
• (These signs may also indicate other problems)

What do to if you suspect online abuse.

Talk with your child

Tell him or her what you have noticed. Explain that you are concerned for his or her safety. Ask your child to tell you about the situation

Never blame your child if he or she is the target of a sexual predator or has been sexually abused. It is never the child’s fault.

Report sexual abuse or child pornography immediately

These are serious crimes. If you believe your child (or any other child) may be the target of a sexual predator or has been used in child pornography, contact both: your local or state law enforcement agency and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.missingkids.org/cybertip or call toll free 1-800-843-5678.

Keep your computer turned off to preserve any evidence. Do not delete any files, messages or photos.

Report harassment or other series threats

Using the Internet to harass or threaten someone is illegal. If your child is the subject of harassment, contact your local or state law enforcement agency. Also, report the incident to your Internet service provider.

Start teaching your child online safety today!

• Learn more about the Internet
• Review Internet safety rules often
• Monitor your child’s online activities
• Know what to do if you suspect a problem.

With your help,  your child can safely enjoy all the Internet has to offer!

This information has been provided by Prevent Child Abuse America Publications.  If you would like information about preventing child abuse, contact: