Caught in the Web: Dangers of the Internet

From the May 2007 Newsletter (Volume 5 / Issue 4)
Source: Connect With Kids TV Series

The Facts

• One in five children are solicited online. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)
• Only 25% of youth who had been solicited told their parents or authorities. (Online Victimization: Crimes Against Children Research Center, 2000)
• Only one-third of parents surveyed had parental controls, website blocks or filtering software installed on the family computer. (Online Victimization: Crimes Against Children Research Center, 2000)

Start a Conversation with Your Kids

• The Internet can be a dangerous place because you don't know for certain who is on the other end of an email or who you are really talking with in a chat room. Have you ever felt uncomfortable because of something said or sent to you online? (i.e., someone asked to meet you in person or to chat "privately", or someone sent you graphic pictures or messages.) What did you do?
• Explain to your child that your job is to keep him safe, and you can't do that if he doesn't tell you when something like this happens. Use your own words to tell your child that you won't blame or get mad at him, you just want to keep your child safe.
• Discuss your family rules about using the Internet and cell phones. Tell your child that the rules apply to everyone, even you! (Visit www.safekids.com or kids.getnetwise.org for suggested rules.)
• Teasing others online is cowardly and hurtful, and can cause more harm than you think, since you're not there to see a person's reactions. Have you ever known someone who was a victim of online bullying? Have you ever been mean online? How can parents help kids who might be involved in this?

Advice From the Experts

• Educate yourself.

  Kids need computer skills in their world. Your job is to know what your kids do with their technology. (See www.connectingwithkids.com/tipsheet/2005/219_mar9/ling.html for online lingo all parents should know.)

• Keep computers in view

  Computers should be in a visible place such as a family room where there are people around.

• Teach rules about information sharing

  Continually discuss what types of information should never be shared with an unknown person - whether online, on the phone or in person.

• Purchase filtering software or blockers

  Your goal is to supervise and protect your child. While doing Internet searches for schoolwork or information, children can accidentally access adult-content websites, which are not only inappropriate for your children and teens, but may affect them emotionally.

• Limit sedentary activities

  If your child spends a lot of time watching television or playing video or computer games, set time limits. Together, come up with a reasonable amount of time your child can spend on activities that prevent physical exercise.