10 Things Parents Must Know About Online Safety

1. Be an active parent

There is no substitute for good parental supervision.  Teach your child what is appropriate in your family.  It is important that you set boundaries for them.  Take time to educate yourself about the internet.  Visit websites that your child talks about.  Understand ‘chat lingo’, and new language code among teens.

2. Talk openly with your child

Encourage them to talk about websites they are visiting, and WHO they are chatting with.  Use a non-threatening tone so that they are comfortable discussing questions so you can resolve issues with them together.

3. Teach your children not to share personal information

Children need to know that what they are told online may not be true.  Teach them to never share their name, photo or contact information with strangers. 

4. Explain why children should never open files from people they don’t know

Children should know the person who is sending them pictures, site links or files to download.  They should never respond to messages that are suggestive or harassing.

5. Supervise your child online

You would hold a childs hand while they cross the street if they are young.  The internet is no different.  When a child is online, check on them frequently until they have displayed the responsibility of an adult.  Studies show 1 in 5 children (ages 10-17) have been exposed to sexual solicitation while online.

6. Position the computer in a common living space

When children are able to chat in private rooms, they are more inclined to take risks.  More than 120 million children worldwide visit social network websites (like myspace.com), which offer easy access to online predators. 

7. Control your childrens use of Instant Messager

This tool enables Predators to communicate directly, and trick children who may not be aware of their tactics.

8. Don’t let children arrange a face to face meeting without your concent

Share news stories with your child.  Explain that seemingly harmless meetings with someone they don’t know can be dangerous.

9. Observe your childs behavior

Does your child act differently whey you walk into the when they are online?  Do they exit or minimize the website?  These may be warning signs of suspicious online activity.

10. Install Internet Security Software

While no tool is a %100 percent guarantee to your child's safety, it is an essential tool to help in maintaining a safe online experience.