My kids use the Internet more than I do. Whether they’re shopping, checking their email or keeping in touch with their friends, they want to be online all the time. I know the Internet has become a dangerous place, but I can’t keep them from using it. How can I still keep my kids safe?
Dear Kansas Consumer,
The Internet provides us with easy access to an incredible amount of information, entertainment and services. Unfortunately, with the click of a button, the Internet can also connect our children with dangerous predators and send our personal information into the hands of identity thieves.
While we can’t protect our children from everything, you should talk to them about the dangers they face and establish a few rules for their activity online. Follow these tips to improve the safety of your whole family:
- Keep the computer in a central location in your home instead of in a bedroom or office if at all possible.
- Know when your children are online and agree to parameters for their activity.
- Contact your Internet Service Provider to set up any parental-control tools that allow you to block certain sites and filter content. Remember: these programs are not a substitute for parental supervision and communication about the Internet.
- Ask your children to show you what they can do online, visit their favorite sites with them and talk about what applications they are using.
- Teach your children to never give their personal information (name, address, phone number, school) out over email, to people they meet online, or on bulletin boards.
- Ask your children about their online friends and oversee their chat areas.
- Remind your children that not everything they read or see on the Internet is true.
- Talk to your children about offensive or dangerous emails or chats. Tell them to never respond to these messages.
- Never allow your child to make an online purchase alone. Check to makes sure the Web site is a secure server before entering your financial information.
- Teach your children to never click on a link in an email or open an attachment from someone they do not know.
- Install anti-virus software and a firewall. Make sure they are updated.