Keep your child safe while using the Internet

Children today have a window on the world through the use of computers. While the worldwide web, or Internet, is a wonderful resource for homework assignments and other school projects, parents need to be actively involved in their children’s use of this tool.

There are some risks to children while “surfing the web.”  Although the most popular web sites for children are those, which offer free computer games, some games are inappropriate for younger children because they contain violence and objectionable graphics. Some games involve gambling, which is prohibited by law for children.

Children may also accidentally come across inappropriate Web sites while searching for reference material. Among those are chat rooms. Chat rooms are designed to allow people to meet and communicate online. Some chat rooms are private, allowing only certain people to participate in the conversation. Child predators, who use the device to get children involved in a dialogue, commonly monitor chat rooms.

Rules parents should set for their children:

Do not give personal information to anyone.

Do not agree to meet anyone in person you have met online.

If anyone uses inappropriate language or asks you to do something you know is wrong, sign off quickly and tell your parents.

Know that people you talk to online are not always who they say they are.

Tips for parents:

Place the computer where the entire family has access and it is easily monitored by parents.

Provide your child with a screen name that does not reveal information about the child’s age or real name.

Check your child’s e-mail for inappropriate content.

Learn about parental control software that is available to restrict your child’s use online.

Spend time online together. Make sure your children understand the potential dangers and how to avoid them.