INTERNET SAFETY


"One click...and a photo can change your kid's life forever. Teach them not to post personal info and photos online." – Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order SVU

What You Should Know...

The Internet serves as a great resource; users can find information, communicate with people from around the world and access entertainment. Because there are no censors on the Internet, people are free to post and view various kinds of content. The downside of this liberty is that there are few regulations protecting users from unfavorable material. Internet users can take steps in order to protect themselves and their family from the risks found online.

Online Risks

Most people who use the Internet have positive experiences, but like any other endeavor, it also carries risks. A majority of users do not experience harmful situations online, but just as in any corporeal environment, people must be aware of their surroundings in the virtual setting. About one in seven youths experience sexual solicitation over the Internet, therefore, children should be aware of online risks and taught how to navigate the web safely.

Because the Internet allows anyone to post content online, users can access inappropriate material through the web, over email, or on instant messaging even if they do not request it. They can also reach these websites through search engines, which do not filter the search results for unfavorable content. Therefore, adults should set guidelines for their children as to which kinds of sites are acceptable to view.

Chat rooms are online areas where individuals can communicate with people from around the world, making it a popular destination, especially amongst children. In these virtual environments, individuals can encounter bullies and harmful adults who could pose risks to them. Users should remember that anyone can enter into a chat room, and so there is no way to confirm someone's identity. People should be wary about giving away personal information or setting up an in-person meeting with people they meet online. The number of young adults that are seriously harmed through Internet relationships are relatively low, but some have been tragic. Always practice caution when meeting new people online.

Social networking sites have also become incredibly popular amongst youth. These sites allow users to create profiles that list their personal interests, opinions and photos. Individuals can find people with similar interests and create networks of friends through the site. Because these profiles can be accessed by anyone, it is important not to post contact information or unfavorable content. Users should not put anything online that they would not want their family or superiors to view. Also, individuals should set their profile to private in order to prohibit strangers from accessing their information.

Users must also be cautious when downloading files online and through their email. Downloading harmful files could contain viruses or allow hackers to gain remote access to the computer. People should only download files from trustworthy sources, while children should check with their parents before installing any files onto the computer.

Online Protection

There are various tools that parents can use to protect their children from accessing unfavorable material, including parental controls to block and filter certain websites. Filtering services can also restrict personal information from being sent over the web and track online activity. These services may control what children see, but they cannot restrict what they say. Children are still free to post inappropriate material on blogs, chat rooms, or over instant message. Parents should always track their children's Internet history online to make sure they are not putting themselves at risk.

Computers are no longer the only way to access the Internet; with technological developments like cell phones, PDAs and video games, users can get online from various locations. These products make it difficult to monitor children's web usage, therefore the best protection for Internet users is to be aware of the potential risks and learn how to be net-savvy on the web.

What You Can Do...

Individuals can take a few basic precautions in order to protect both their personal information and themselves.

  • Keep your personal information private
    Information you post on the web can be accessed by anyone. Make sure to set your profile to private on social networking sites so that strangers cannot view your personal information.

  • Keep your finances private
    Never give out financial information to unknown websites on the Internet. If the deal is too good to be true, then it probably is.

  • Communicate
    Never respond to messages that are threatening or make you feel uncomfortable. Always tell an adult about any scary communication or forward it to your Internet service provider. Parents should not blame children for any threatening situations they encounter online; always keep communication lines open so that children are not scared to tell you about their online experiences.

  • Stay anonymous
    Only use your screen name in chat rooms. Never give out your personal information and be wary of people who want to meet you in person.

  • Be respectful
    Never harass, bully, or threaten others on the Internet. Help maintain favorable conditions online to create positive experiences for all users.

FOR PARENTS:

  • Set rules
    Discuss guidelines with your child about Internet use, including when they can go online, how long they can spend on the computer and what websites are off-limits. Speak to your child rationally and make sure they understand that these rules are for their own protection. You should avoid scare tactics, but make sure your child is aware of the risks online.

  • Educate Yourself
    Ask your child to show you websites they frequent and know how to access them.

  • Keep it in the open
    Put your family computer in a common space instead of putting it in individual bedrooms.

  • Filter it
    Restrict access to unfavorable websites and chat rooms with filtering services. You can now restrict certain websites, prevent users from entering personal information on the web, and even monitor email use. But remember, these services are not a substitute for good judgment; both parent and child should be Internet-savvy and keep open communication.

  • Meet the friends
    If your child has a new online friend, find out more about how they met and what their background is. Always communicate with your child about their Internet activity and get to know their online friends like you would their regular friends.

  • Be reasonable
    Set reasonable expectations. Try to understand your child's curiosity and remember that the Internet is a great resource for information.

To Know More...

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