How to Keep Your Child Safe Online

Protecting our children Online Parents are constantly struggling with ways to keep their children safe online. The Internet has a global reach and at this point no bounds, or limitations. Outside of installing filtering software children should be educated in order to protect themselves with this "virtual monster".

We've put together a collection of ten tips that should be observed while surfing online. At the very least, these tips will prompt family discussions regarding online safety.

  1. When on the internet, personal information should be kept personal. Just because someone asks doesn't mean you need to tell them. When someone asks for personal information, consider how they might use that information and whether it is necessary for them to have it.

  2. If you are conversing with someone online, don't assume that they are being honest with you. Just because they say they are 16, doesn't mean they are.

  3. 3. Do not release your password to anyone, even if they say they are from your online provider.

  4. 4. Overall it is best not to respond to unsolicited email (spam). If there is something flagrant or inappropriate in the email, consider reporting the sender to their Internet Provider (editor note: online reports can be filed through SpamCop.)

  5. 5.Do not give out or post identifying information, including address or telephone numbers.

  6. 6. You may want to create a nickname for a screen name in chat rooms.

  7. 7. Keep in mind when posting in chat rooms or newsgroup, that there may be lurkers (people who read without posting). Your information can be read even by those you can't see.

  8. 8. Keep an open dialogue with children surfing the Internet. Remember, if they come to you with a problem, you first reaction should not be to take away the Internet, but to applaud the child's confidence in confiding in you. Work together to find a solution.

  9. 9. Overall it is not a good idea to post or exchange pictures over the Internet

  10. 10. Try to keep in mind the Internet is global and in not governed by any entity. This means that there are no limitations or checks on the information posted and accessible to Internet users.

Both World Verge Dial-Up and AT&T/Yahoo DSL include very capable parental controls to monitor and protect online activity. Just remember, that no software or rules can protect your child unless YOU USE IT!

Additional Resources you can check:

Collection of Internet Access and Filtering Software and Contract for Safe Surfing

Other Safety Articles: PreTeen Safety Online | Teenagers Online

Our thanks to Sharon Housely, Author for these great tips. In this time of children's vulnerbility, we must do all we can to keep our children safe. Sharon is with NotePage,Inc. which develops SMS, alphnumeric paging and wireless messaging software solutions.