Your Children's Safety on the Internet

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Your Children's Safety on the Internet

The Internet is undoubtedly a vast source of information, but it also offers opportunities for individuals to take advantage of others who use the Internet, such as children. A study conducted by the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center found that almost 20 percent of children who regularly use the Internet reported receiving unwanted sexual solicitations on-line. When you consider that nearly half of American children now have online access and that teenagers spend eight hours online each week, 20 percent is an alarming statistic. The following are some suggestions for protecting your child when he or she uses the Internet.

Have your computer in an open area, such as the family room, where everyone usually meets. Avoid having a computer with an Internet connection in your child's bedroom or in a remote room in the house.
Talk to your child about the potential dangers and outcomes that can happen on the Internet. Discuss situations that have happened that you have read about in the paper or saw reported on television.
Just as you have taught your child to avoid talking to strangers in person, tell them that the same applies for strangers on the Internet. Share the warning signs of someone who is looking for too much information, such as when they ask about where they live, other personal information, or for a picture.
Set rules for Internet use and abide by them, too. If you tell your child that they cannot participate in chat rooms, you and other family members should not participate either.
Visit Web sites with your child that talk about Internet safety. You can start by reviewing our list of links to Internet privacy resources.

Your Children's Safety on the Internet

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Your Children's Safety on the Internet