Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Internet Safety for Kids

Internet has completely revolutionized the way today’s kids do their homework and research work. It has become an innovative and wonderful resource for kids to research school reports, online tutorials, communicate with teachers and peers, and play interactive games. But, every technology has some hazards as well. While searching keyword “hit” on Google search engine, a small spelling mistake of writing “p” instead of “t” would become “hip” and can redirect your search to adult web contents.

A study conducted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children found that 1 in 4 children between the ages of 10 and 17 have been exposed to cyber crime or unwanted sexual material online.

Most of the cyber crimes that are being committed against children are the responsibility of other child peers in fact, that are approximately the same age and in the same grade level. There is an interesting relationship between age and the evolution of more serious cybercrimes.

Younger children are the ones who have the most parental supervision when they are online, but at best only half of these kids are being monitored by their parents during times of Internet usage. By the time a child reaches high school this supervision virtually disappears. Additionally, as a child grows their exposure to content that makes them feel uncomfortable grows. Boldness in talking to, sharing personal information with and even volunteering to meet personally with strangers also grows. This increase in trust or curiosity is a key contributor in the amount of cyber crimes that are being committed and directed towards kids.
Internet safety for kids is a growing concern amongst most parents due to the increased presence of computers in the home and the significant numbers of hours spent by children "surfing" the internet.

Tips related to internet safety for kids

Personal information on internet
Sharing personal information such as address, telephone number, the name or location of school, parents' names etc. should be avoided. Websites or other online services ask kids for information in order to enter special contests or to obtain free gifts. The information could be used to harm or exploit them.

Face-to-face meet with strangers
Without a parent's permission, meeting with a stranger should be avoided. If a meeting is arranged, make sure that it takes place in public and that parents always accompany the child.


Never respond to adult contents or messages
Kids should never respond to messages or bulletin boards that are sexually obscene, threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable in any way.


Parents should be taken into confidence
Kids should always inform their parents whenever they come across anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Use Internet safety techniques for kids

Internet safety techniques should be smartly deployed on PC’s having kids access. This would make parents aware of what their kids are doing on internet, who they meeting, and what they sharing about themselves online. It's wise to talk with your kids about your concerns.

By stressing upon the above mentioned points of internet safety for kids, we can provide our loved ones an environment where in they can polish their skills and can remain safe from internet menace because, It’s better to be safe than being sorry.

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