Keeping Kids Safe Online

A good rule to adopt for both kids and adults is to treat online communication just as you would a face-to-face conversation. Do not allow the seeming anonymity of the cyber world to lull you into a sense that no one knows who you are. More important, treat those you meet online with the kind of respect and caution you would show in a face to face conversation.

Keep in mind that the online world generally is a safe place. The news headlines may be bigger today, but the statistics are not. By many measures, kids are safer today than they were a few decades ago. That doesn't mean we should ignore safety, but the first rule to understanding a threat is to give it proper perspective.

To gain that perspective, take the online plunge yourself. Become familiar with the services your child uses.

Scaring your children or over reacting to situations might only discourage them from talking with you when it is most important. Let them understand the risks that are out there, and then create and enforce some guidelines for their behavior.

General tips

• If you are going to be using things like online chat services, avoid incorporating your real name into a screen name. And avoid uploading pictures to services.
• Never give out any address or phone number and decline invitations to call others. A combination of caller ID and a reverse directory can quickly reveal your address. Making or receiving a phone call should be considered the same as giving your name and address.
• Similarly, be sure both you and your kids are cautious about mentioning schools or places of employment with strangers or in chatrooms.
• Decline invitations for personal or instant messaging from anyone but known friends or family. Ask the other person to speak to you in the actual chat room. This way the conversation is public. Also, depending upon the technology, this may also help protect someone trying to probe or break into your computer.
• If someone makes lewd comments or sends inappropriate material, report them to the service provider. If there is some true misunderstanding, let them resolve that with the service provider.
• If possible, use one screen or account name just for email and another one for your online chatting. This allows you to change your chat name frequently to avoid online "stalking" but you need not worry about changing your email address all the time.
• Some parents use "spy" software to record their children's online activity. This raises serious trust issues with your kids, and most kids probably can figure ways around this software anyway. Use this kind of software as a last resort. Instead, don't be afraid to spend a few minutes online with your kids and watch their behavior first hand. Keep issues of safety out in the open.
• In general, parents should limit the amount of time both they and their kids spend online. Yes, the Internet is a great tool, but it is still fun and healthy to go for a walk, ride a bike or do other activities.
• Learn how to disable your Internet connection at certain hours. For example, if you have router in your home, most routers allow you to set connect and disconnect times. Many routers also come with firewall software that blocks unwanted traffic into your home computing