Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet

The Internet is a wonderful–and potentially dangerous–resource for children.

Legislators and law-enforcement officials are grappling with public issues such as fraud, security, and viruses. Parents, however, should monitor and protect their children from exploitation on the Internet. Here are steps to take:

• Become informed. Surf the Internet for guidance for parents or homework help for kids. Visit improper web sites to see them for yourself. Develop a better feel for what’s out there.
• Talk with your child, taking maturity into account. Set up “Home Rules” for homework and fun schedules for surfing the ’Net. Talk about safety and why they should never give out phone numbers or addresses, or open messages, photos, or attachments from strangers.
• Set up parental controls. Preview all emails. Create kids’ screen names and controls to limit access to chat rooms, newsgroups, and the like. Set rules for ordering merchandise online.
• Monitor for email scams and schemes. Check phone bills and credit card statements for unusual charges.
• Report suspicious or offensive activities immediately to your Internet service provider, civil authorities, schools, and friends.