Internet Safety
While it is true that computers and the internet have brought the world closer to us, it's not always a safe and secure world which is lurking behind the mouse click. Parents need to be aware that children may be vulnerable to sexual abuse and harassment and/or stalking when they are online.
Cyberangles (an organization dedicated to creating online safety) lists three things children may be at risk of when they are online.
- Information
Children don't necessarily have the skills needed to determine the credibility of a internet site. They may not be able to distinguish between things that are Illegal and Legal.
- Child Pornography
Sexual material in which children are used or appear to be used performing sexual or sexually enticing acts. It is illegal in the United States to own, produce, make copies, by, and/or transmit child pornography, other countries have different rules and since the internet is global this makes the problem all the more difficult.
- Online and Offline predators
There are people who prey on children (pedophiles). While pedophiles are generally loners, the advent of the internet has brought these people together in online spaces were they share information.
What can you do to protect your children from abuse via internet access?
Steven Baule in an article from Book Report gives three basic options:
-
Limit access through commercial software which blocks access to sites in a variety of ways.
-
Select only "child and/or family friendly" sites and limit children's access to only these sites. (This involves supervision on your part.)
-
Or provide (age appropriate) unlimited access, but educate your children to acceptable use and internet Safety.
You as a parent and/or responsible adult need to decide which of these suits your needs and values the best. None of these options is full proof. Here are some suggestions:
- Adult supervision is the most effective way to regulate use of the internet.
- Families should agree together on an acceptable use policy for internet and computer use.
- Put any computer with internet access in a central area of the house where it can be easily monitored.
- Check the computer's bookmarks, cache or history to find out what your child is accessing, but be aware that these indicators can easily be altered.
The www.safekids.com has an on-line safety contract for parents and children to sign. For parents, it includes such things as not using a computer or the internet as an electronic babysitter, getting to know your child's "online friends," and helping to make using the internet a family activity. For kids, the contract includes not giving out personal information online without parental permission and never agreeing to get together in person with someone met online without first checking with one's parents.
Top
