Internet Safety

 

As children and teens gain more access to the Internet through tablets, smart phones, and computers, Internet safety becomes an increasing concern. Technological options exist that restrict young people’s access to certain kinds of online content; however, the best protection is parental guidance and oversight—especially for older children and teens who are often tech-savvy enough to work around technological restrictions.

Some main areas of concern for parents are keeping children safe from strangers online, keeping personal data safe, avoiding access to pornographic or violent content, and keeping them safe from cyberbullying. Another issue is online reputation, which is covered on another page.

Because so many access points to the Internet exist—such as through phones and at friends’ houses—restricting kids from using the Internet can backfire. Here are some tips for keeping kids safe online:

 

  • Talk to them about how they use their social networking sites.
  • Help them set appropriate privacy restrictions on their social networking pages.
  • Keep computers in high-traffic areas in the home so that you can keep an eye on what they are doing and so they know you are around to see what they are doing.
  • Teach them to avoid giving their password and any other personal data such as birthdates and Social Security numbers to anyone.
  • Explain that people are not always what they seem to be online. For example, someone who says she’s a young girl could be an older man.
  • Teach them not to open email messages from people they don’t know to avoid downloading malware.
  • Teach them to avoid meeting people they have only met online.
  • Teach them to avoid talking about sex online to anyone.
  • Teach to be good citizens online. Being mean can come back to haunt you.

Here are some great resources:

  • Google has compiled information from several online resources, including Connect Safely, OnGuard Online, and Enough Is Enough.
  • The FBI has a kid’s page with safety tips for online interaction.
  • Commonsense Media provides reviews and advice by age and topic to parents and educators, helping parents and teachers manage a media-saturated world. Consider for example, this checklist for determining if your child is ready to have a cell phone.
  • Connect Safely provides tips, advice, and a forum where parent, teachers, and teens can interact to learn about online safety.
  • Enough Is Enough provides statistics, a blog series, and guidelines to help parents and adults protect their kids online.
  • Netsmartz.org is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that provides resources for parents, educators, law enforcement professionals, teens, and kids about all kinds of online safety topics.

 

These resources are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical, health, or legal advice.   Please consult your doctor, mental health professional or lawyer for advice that is specific to your needs.  SCC, its officers, directors, staff and attorneys hereby disclaim any responsibility for, or any liability resulting from, the use of these resources.