Getting Involved in Your Child's Online Activities

It's a good idea to take an active role in protecting your child from Internet predators and inapproproate materials and conversations that are online. Here are some steps that can help you do that:

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.
• Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor your child.
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
• Bookmark your child's favorite sites for easy access.
• Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior.
• Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software. Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals your child's email address to others.
• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
• Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages you or your child receives to your Internet service provider.
• Many sites use "cookies," devices that track specific information about the user, such as name, email address, and shopping preferences. Cookies can be disabled. Ask your Internet service provider for more information.

It's also a good idea to set up some simple rules for your kids to follow while they're using the Internet. These rules may include:

• Follow the rules you set, as well as those set by your Internet service provider.
• Never trade personal photographs in the mail or scanned photographs over the Internet.
• Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location. Use only a screen name. Never agree to meet anyone from a chat room in person.
• Never respond to a threatening email or message.
• Always tell a parent about any communication or conversation that was scary.
• If your child has a new "friend," insist on being "introduced" online to that friend.

MSN Messenger and Chat Room Cautions

A chat room and programs like MSN messienger are virtual online chat sessions. Chat rooms are set up according to interest or subject, such as skiing or a favorite TV show. MSN messenger allows the user to select friends by email to be part of live online conversations. Because people can communicate to each other alone or in a group, chat rooms and MSN messenger are among the most popular destinations on the Web - especially for kids and teens.

There are hazards for kids when using both these forums. First, there have been incidents where kids met "friends" who were interested in exploiting them through chat rooms. These predators sometimes prod their online acquaintances to exchange personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, thus putting the kids they are chatting with - and their families - at risk.

When kids use MSN messenger there is always a chance of comments being made by members of the conversation group that could lead to conflicts, racist remarks; and/or bullying. It is important to always ensure that your child is not becoming involved in a situation on the internet at home that could lead to further situations at school.

Signs that your Child May Be a Victim

There are warning signs that your child is being targeted by an online predator. Your child may be spending long hours online, especially at night. If there are phone calls from people you don't know or unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail, it's a good idea to ask your child about any Internet contacts. If your child suddenly turns off the computer when you walk into the room, ask why and monitor computer time more closely. Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities are other signs that you need to look more closely at what your child is doing online.

By taking an active role in your child's Internet activities, you'll be ensuring that he or she can benefit from the wealth of valuable information the Internet has to offer, without being exposed to any potential dangers.

From:http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html