Internet Safety For Kids : Kidsguard4u

Now more than ever our children are using the internet for everyday activities such as homework, researching, and even chatting with friends. Children are more comfortable using computers because they have grown up around them.Children also have an inherent need to freely explore, and the internet is the perfect way for them to do so easily from their own home. This leaves them open to become easy targets for manipulative adults with varying motivations. Some online criminals would rather gain access to personal bank accounts, or steal your identity. Others may try to meet your child in real life to try to sexually or physically assault your child.

The internet provides no more safety than meeting a stranger in real life. Because of the false security, many people get scammed for information and they don't even realize. Many parents and teens alike might not want to believe this, but we should consider the facts. One in five children were solicited online in the past year. One in five were exposed to photos or videos of people with graphic sexual content. Things of this nature are also free and easy for a child to download. The numbers themselves are enough to scare anyone, but situations like this are easier to avoid than you might think!

It's important to talk with your children. Let them know what kind of people could be lurking, no matter how nice they might seem. Instruct your kids to limit online conversation to people you already know. If you have a child that wants to "chat" (strongly suggest otherwise), but if they MUST make sure they know what is appropriate conversation.

Never under any circumstance should your child be allowed to give out any personal information such as name, phone number, email, and especially where they live, work, or go to school. Explain to your children disobeying these safety precautions could seriously harm the financial and physical well being of the entire family.


Parents want to think that our teenagers are older and wiser than our pre teens, but in reality they are more likely to get into trouble on the internet. Teens are more likely to venture around websites, exploring limitless information on everything from their favorite singer to downloading movies.

Teenagers are more curious and will take bigger risks than children. They are also more likely to reach out and chat with people from the internet that they don't know personally. Remind your children that people can pretend to be anyone through a computer, so even if they think they know this person, be careful.


Always remember that these are concrete steps that will provide Internet safety for your kids and protect them while they are online and still allow them to get the benefits of using and learning to use the Internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Internet Safety For Kids

All around the globe, the Internet and computers have become indispensable. We communicate with friends, search for information, shop online, use online banking to pay our bills and many other things that make our lives easier. However, there are also certain dangers that come with Internet usage. Aside from viruses, the Internet could also pose threats to our children if they are allowed to use it without proper monitoring software.

Parents can take preventive measures to tone down the dangers. But in order to be successful with the implementation of parental control software over the Internet, parents have to be tough. For the sake of your children's well-being, you need to be a parent and not a friend. We are all aware that identity theft, pornography.

A parent needs to know how to deal with computers and the Internet. Knowing how to check the previous websites recently visited, learning how cache is deleted and having the know-how in putting restrictions to unwanted websites are just a few of the skills parents need to have.

Never let your children access the Internet alone in a closed room.

Children may need privacy but hours and hours spent alone in front of the computer could spell trouble and should not be permitted. You would have no way of knowing what is going on behind that door unless you ask them and there's no guarantee that they will tell you everything. You need to encourage your children to talk to you openly about everything under the sun to build their trust and it is a good thing to start while they are still young. Never burst out in anger if your children would have opinions which are different from yours and when they say things that would upset you.

Computers should be placed in a common area.

The best place for the computer that your children are going to use is an open area like the family room. Never place computers in your children's bedrooms. You can set-up a schedule for family members to take turns using the computer. For your children's protection, children should not be allowed to use the computer unsupervised and isolated.

Educate your kids about Internet security.

Children will grow into responsible adults if they are trained at an early age. Teach your children not to provide personal information over the Internet. Make it a point to know the people in your kid's chat list and the ones they usually chat with. You have to instill in their minds that important information like their home address, their present school, the time their parents come home and other information that may pose a threat to their safety should never be given to anybody online.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Teen Internet Safety

ssues of teen internet safety are very important for your teen to understand as he or she naturally becomes more involved in social networking sites and other social habits that are based around internet use. Texting, IM, Facebook, and other electronic methods of communication have quickly replaced traditional dating and socializing. It is important that your teen knows the dangers of internet communication and how to stay safe when using these various mediums of communication. It's also important that you as a parent take an active role in helping keep them safe until they are mature enough to make good choices.

Establish Rules at Home

One of the first things you can do to establish teen internet safety in your home is to set rules with your teen regarding electronic communication. Veto the exchange of addresses and phone numbers on social networking sites and discuss about the importance of communicating only with people he/she knows.

Monitor Computer Use

Parental monitoring is a key part of teen internet safety. Make sure your teen understands that all forms of electronic communications are subject to monitoring. You can and will review the internet sites visited online. Use the history section of your web browser, read text messages on cell phones, review their status updates and their friend list on Facebook, as well any other monitoring you feel is necessary. You can use the parental control features on your internet browser to password protect your browser or to block certain types of websites on your computer.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Parental Control Filter Options

In this day and age of untrammeled information explosion, setting parental control filters to regulate children's online activities may be the wisest thing to do. It is laudable to offer children the freedom to explore the vast expanse of knowledge and communicate with others. But safety and security being paramount, parental control filters with time-tested and cutting-edge software are the right way to channel children's curiosity.Children are naturally drawn to anything that not only raises their curiosity but also offers them easy reward. Parents, therefore, have a duty and a responsibility, to guide their kids in their impressionable and formative years in the right direction. For instance, it is essential to emphasize early on the importance of never giving out one's name, phone number, address, social security number, or other private information to strangers online. It is easier said than done, especially when children run into tricksters who are too smart to handle. Of course, there are laws out there. For instance, according to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), any web site that collects information from children under 13 must clearly state the nature of information they're gathering and to what purpose. More often than not, it is mandatory that the web site obtains parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information about a child. Parents may want to read privacy statements in detail before deciding whether to give their consent. But if there is no reason why anyone should waste their time in the first place, there is no better way than to exercise parental control filter options to the fullest extent possible. Parents may want to configure software to allow only approved contacts to prevent children from running into strangers while instant messaging. And it is here that technology can play a major role. Parental control software can block exposure to such websites and inappropriate content for good. Software that can enable parents to monitor, manage, and administer their children's computer use is the key to success.

Parents would need to know how to limit searches, block or allow certain web sites. After all, any filter should be intelligent enough not to block educational content that can enhance a child's intelligence and social awareness. It is essential that parental control filters provide adequate guidelines that could help parents control child's use of online communications safely and intelligently. While setting user accounts, parents can filter any inappropriate, violent games, media players or chat programs by setting up limited user accounts for their kids. Being in full control as administrators, they can easily set web browser security and privacy preferences.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Using Parental Controls

Parental controls allow you, as a parent or guardian to be able to control the computer in which your child or younger adult is using. You know the importance of doing so. Online predators are out there and they are readily stalking even the youngest of children that venture onto the internet. Using parental controls allows you to keep control of your situation so that you can make decisions for your child that will ultimately help them manage what happens online.


What Can Be Done?

Each internet service provider have their own different set of parental controls that you can use. First thing that you will need to do is to find out what types of software are being offered to you through your provider. If you do find that these parental controls are not enough to really protect your child, you can find others available to you to buy. Before you make that investment, keep in mind that some internet service providers do provide this, or at least some parental controls, with their service to you.

There are various options that you can use. Here are some of the services that are available.

- Monitor who can send your child email.

- Monitor who your child can send emails to, as well.

- Determine who can send messages to your child or who your child can chat with in chat rooms. Limit them by name or age, or just allow certain ones.

- Monitor the time that they are online. Set a timer for each visit as to how much time they could be online every time they are available onto the web.

- Determine which websites your child can go to as well as what type of website it is. Some limit the child to only those websites that are approved by you.

There are more services that you can use when it comes to parental controls. There is no doubt that you'll manage to find the right type of control for your needs either with your current internet service provider or with additional software that you purchase. The goal here is to find the product that provides you the overall best solution and protection for your child. This isn't the type of thing that you need to put aside and do later.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com

Parental Control Software - Stop Ads Pop Outs and Remove Dangerous Internet Content

If you have children who love to go online and play games or chat with friends, then you have a need for web content parental control software. Most parents are concerned with what their children are viewing online, but they feel they have no control over this. There is so much danger and harmful content on the internet today, that you can't afford to take that attitude! There is something that you can actually do to control what your children are viewing when they get on the internet. Web content parental control software takes the control away from those who are placing negative content on the web and places it in the hands of parents just like you.

So, what is web content parental control software? This may sound like a big long term, but it simply refers to unique computer software which monitors the content being displayed on your computer. It is designed to allow parents to filter out specific types of content which they deem inappropriate for their children. Not only are parents using this software for family computers used by the entire household, but they are also downloading web content parent control software to personal computers and laptops used by older children in the home. No child is ever too old to be protected from the dangerous internet adult natured content.

Now, the big question is where do you find web content parental control software, right? This is the next question most parents ask after finding out that there is some protection for their children available today. You can find the software easily over the internet, with the best software packages being instantly downloadable into your computer.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Internet Safety Rules : Kidsguard4u

inappropriate content, pornography or violent images is a major concern when this information can be just one click away with a mouse.There are many options available to provide parental control over Internet content that can be made available to your children. We will start with the basics. Depending on the Internet service provider (ISP) you use, most will supply you with a free security suite that comes with your monthly subscription. This will allow you to filter out most inappropriate content online and some offer filtering by age level. Your best bet would be to contact your ISP for availability.

Internet browsers like Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox browser can also be configured to block content for kids. Internet Explorers parental controls can be found under the tools section of the toolbar in the upper right corner of the browser. By selecting the content tab you can choose from a list of content categories that you might not wish your child to see.

In Firefox you can use add on extensions from the tools section of the toolbar to find content blocking applications. You can search for these add ons from the toolbar which will open up Mozilla's extension web page. These must be installed to your Firefox browser and then you have to restart your browser to activate them. Just search for parental controls from the add ons web page. Some good add ons include, Glubble for families, ProCon, LeechBlock and FoxFilter. Leechblock will allow you to set a time limit for your child's web usage.

For a very high level of child safety content filtering, third party software is available for a monthly subscription or one time cost. These programs will not only block most objectionable content but can also alert you to your child's activity online, provide you with weekly reports on surfing habits and can offer services to help you find the best ways to remove objectionable content. Software is also available to work with iPads and iPhones as well as computers. These programs can be used by families, businesses and churches to provide additional protection. For more information on Internet safety for kids and these high quality programs please visit us from our bio links below.

Jon Angel is a parent that actively promotes Internet safety rules to help other parents and kids stay safe online. Providing Internet safety tips for teens on the possible dangers online to help promote a better Internet experience.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Internet safety program for parents Monday in Randolph

A program for parents on Internet safety will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Randolph High School auditorium, 70 Memorial Parkway.The program is sponsored by the Randolph School Department, the Randolph police and the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council.

“Our hope is to arm parents and guardians with the necessary knowledge to protect their children,” said Randolph police Detective Gabriel Pantazelos, the school resource officer at Randolph High School.

The presentation will include information on cyberbullying, personal safety and online predators. Materials will include essential tools for parents to reduce the chance of being victimized while using the Internet.

Online communication, social networking and online resources will be among the other topics.

There will be a question-and-answer period.The program is free and open to all adults.

source:http://www.patriotledger.com/news/education/x145758048/Internet-safety-program-for-parents-Monday-in-Randolph

5 Steps to Internet Safety For Kids

While the Internet has certainly brought a wealth of information, convenience and has a made the world a much smaller place, the Internet has its liabilities and especially so for children, teens and all minors. The responsibility of protecting children from online dangers lies with parents. There are several steps you can take to provide Internet safety for kids.One solution, which some parents choose, is to completely restrict their children from using the Internet. This solution while keeping your children safe is not always the best option. One, the Internet is here to stay, it is an important part of everyday life, and its use is a skill that is often required by schools and in the work place. Also, if you just tell your kids that they cannot have or use the Internet then you eliminate the opportunity to teach them how to use it safely. So, if they do use it when they are away from you, (which believe me does happen, even with the best of kids) at a friends house or school then they will not have the tools they need to stay safe. Having talks and discussions with children about the risks is very important, and as a parent you should set certain limits and keep the conversation open in regards to Internet safety.

5 Steps to Internet Safety for Kids:

1. Have a conversation with your kids. Explain to them, in as much detail as their age will allow some of the dangers that exist online. For example, that strangers in chat rooms, are just that, strangers. That they should never agree to meet anyone, give out their phone numbers, personal information like address etc. The same conversation that you had with them about not talking to strangers applies even more so when online, so use that and extend it further. Remember that most of these steps will only apply to computers you have at home. When your children are away from you they will have access to other computers and that is when those conversations will be the guidance that ensures their safety.

2. There is software available, which can help to protect your children from any content that is not appropriate for them.

3. All web browsers allow for parental control settings. You can make personalized adjustments from the browser to set limits that you desire and to insure your child's safety.

4. You can increase children's safety by creating Limited User Accounts for your children from your Administrative Account. This restricts children from changing system settings, installing any new software which includes chat programs, games, etc. You can see the help section of your Operating System for detailed instructions on how to create User Accounts. This is a simple process and the instructions are step by step.

5. Be active and be a snoop. Yes a snoop, keep track of the websites that your kids are surfing. You can view all websites that they visited in the History List or Cookies from the web browser. You can even see the email addresses, correspondence and downloaded files. If you see something inappropriate or dangerous take the necessary parental actions. Sometimes we want to be our children's friend but we have to always be parents first.

Always remember that these are concrete steps that will provide Internet safety for kids and protect them while they are online and still allow them to get the benefits of using and learning to use the Internet.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Kidsguard4u : Internet Safety

With Internet usage growing all the time internet safety has become an important issue. There are those who look to take advantage of the internet for criminal activity. There are many things that internet users need to look out for, among them the possibility of identity theft and fraud, viruses and unsafe emails.Identity theft has been an issue off-line for a long time but it is now just as much of an issue, if not more so, online. A good example of internet identity theft is someone gaining your bank details and using them to purchase goods or services online. Some attempt to use other people's details to open bank accounts or credit card accounts. This allows them to spend using a credit card that is then billed to the person whose details it was set up with. So if this happens to you it could ultimately lead to you being in debt. There are even examples of people getting mortgages using such techniques. It is therefore always important to be careful with where you submit your information to. Never submit your personal information or bank details to a website you are suspicious of.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

How to Teach Internet Safety to Your Kids

When it comes to your family nothing is more important than protecting them, especially when it comes to your children. The internet can be a great tool, and provides you with a wealth of information, but it can also provide negative and harmful information as well. It is comforting to know that you can purchase internet safety software so that you can monitor the websites and information that your family members and children view, and protect them from inappropriate language or images that they might encounter.

There is an abundance of options for internet safety software available for Windows and Macintosh programs today. These programs can filter everything from websites to videos, email, and can allow you to set up limitations on what your children and family can use the internet for. In addition, it will prevent your children from playing games when they should be doing their homework, and you can register which websites or keywords that you prefer they not access.

It will allow you to block websites by category which makes it easy to use, and you can pick the search engines that you want everyone to use. You can also filter any videos your family can access on YouTube and through programs like Media player. Depending on which system you use, whether Windows or Macintosh, you will learn that you may be able to block unsavory media through applications like iTunes as well.

With the fray of social networking, everyone is jumping onto Facebook, but it can be used negatively by scam artists and pick-up artists alike. As a parent, you will be able to monitor when any sensitive information is posted and block particular social network sites. Facebook isn't the only site out there, so you might want to do some research before you set up your software to be sure it has you covered on all sites.

Internet safety software doesn't just allow you to check-up on gaming activity, websites and social networks, but it also allows you to keep track of other things. You will be able to monitor your family's email contacts, instant messaging programs, internet chat, and the dates and times in which they were on the computer and engaged in these programs and applications. The internet safety programs also allow you to get reports sent to your personal email when someone is trying to access inappropriate information, so that you can keep tabs on what is happening when you are not around.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Internet Safety For Children

 The subject of children internet safety is a very important one. It is a topic that needs to be addressed to all parents in all homes. A new year has dawned upon us and new changes in the area of technology have taken place. In 2010, what can we as parents do to help ensure children's internet safety?

1. Learn to talk to your children: The simple lack of communication is one of the biggest reasons why children enter websites they are not supposed to or do things online that they are not supposed to be doing. Why? The reason is some children are never given the internet safety talk. Consequently, children end up not knowing that they were not supposed to visit a particular site or that they were not supposed to set up meetings with any strangers. If parents would engage with their children and communicate with them about the dos and don'ts of online browsing child internet safety would become less of a problem.

2. Position your home computer in the right place: Now what I mean by this is that the family computer needs to be in an open space where everyone can see it. If you are a parent make sure that you do not put the home computer in a place like the basement if you hardly visit the basement. Observing this rule of thumb will definitely help internet safety for kids. When children know that they may be caught browsing a website that they should not be on they will be less likely to open it.

3. Create offline activities for your children: Between the T.V. and internet children are becoming batmen and women who stay in a cave all day. The more time kids spend on the internet the more they are likely to access the wrong material or engage in conversations with the wrong people. Try to involve your children in outdoor activities like soccer or basketball to keep the time online at a minimal. Not only will they get some exercise and fresh air this will help protect them from becoming child victims online.

source:http://ezinearticles.com

Protect Kids Online with Internet Security Software

It is only natural for parents to worry as kids become more technologically savvy at younger and younger ages. Of course they want their children to excel, but a parent's number one job is to keep their little ones out of harm's way. That is why it is so important for parents to put limits on where and when their children access the Internet without invading their privacy or hindering their learning. Here are some reasons why using an Internet security software package is an effective way to protect kids online.One way that parents can protect their kids from harm is by talking to them about Internet safety.

 There are many organizations dedicated to protecting children online, and experts urge parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of cyberbullying and online predators. In a perfect world, children would always listen to what their parents say, but everyone knows that is not always the case. So, for parents who want to ensure their kids' safety while they use the Internet, there are Internet security software features that put limits on where and when their children can get online.

This type of security software allows parents to choose which websites their children visit. Because online predators and cyberbullies target chat rooms and social networking sites, parents can block these websites so their kids cannot access them. As kids get older, parents can decide to unblock certain websites based on their age-appropriateness. At the end of the day, every child is different and adults have different parenting styles; however, one thing remains the same: when it comes to online safety, it is important to use some level of Internet security software.

Parents can also limit the amount of time kids spend on the computer, which is important on a few different levels. First, the less time a child spends online the less likely they are to becoming involved in dangerous online activity. In addition, the amount of time children spend on the computer, watching TV, and playing video games has kept kids from spending time playing outdoors and exercising. Ultimately, Internet security software programs will prevent children from sitting on the computer for hours on end.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/protect-kids-online-with-internet-security-software-4556440.html

Deputies Offer Tips to Keep Kids from Sexting, Other Cyber Threats

“Sexting” and sexual predators trolling for new victims are just some of the dangers that children face when they cruise the Internet, Orange County sheriff's reserve deputies warned local parents Thursday.Sgt. Josh Money and Lt. Jim Ellis presented an adults-only Internet safety course at Capistrano Valley Christian School and encouraged parents to keep tabs on their kids' Internet and phone use. The topics ranged from sexting—a combination of sex and texting, usually in the form of explicit photos—to identity theft to bullying.

“Our purpose was to first train the parents, and then we’ll start working with the kids, as young as second grade. We wanted to get the parents ahead of the curve,” said Jayson Beck, who is in charge of information technology for Capistrano Valley Christian. The night's presentation is the first step in implementing a new Cyber Citizenship program at the school.

Parents “don’t have to have a degree in information technology” to figure out what their kids are up to, so Money offered suggestions.

They can use the drop-down feature of the URL bar of the Internet browser or check the history to see where previous users have been. If a child has been on the Internet for two hours yet the history has been erased, that’s a sign parents should take heed that their child is hiding something, Money said.Besides talking with children, monitoring their texts—when they’re in the shower is the safest time to do that—and explaining the dangers, parents can also use their router to control Internet access to all of the home's devices, including game consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation that can also Web surf.

Going to the router manufacturer’s Home page and logging in will enable the administrator to block specific websites, set up hours of operation and more, Money said. In a residential setting, it’s important that parents are that administrator, even if their children are much more computer-savvy.The deputies presented many statistics from various sources, including a statistic from a January 2009 survey from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy that found one in five teens have sent suggestive photos.

While teens percieve sexting to be just like flirting, it is illegal for children under 18 to take naked or half-naked pictures of themselves. With that first act, they are violating the law. The recipient of the photo is also breaking the law.

“The average sexter assumes their dirty message or revealing photo is only going to be seen by one person," Money said

It’s often the girls who are hurt when their boyfriend forwards the photos to all his friends—even to his phone’s entire contact list, he said.

Beck said there are even websites available for spurned boyfriends to upload of their ex-girlfriends. So just because a boy doesn’t forward the photos immediately doesn’t mean they won’t end up for public viewing eventually.

“Most of the girls,” said Money, “if you ask them why do you do this, a lot of them will say [it’s] pressure from the boys.”

Girls can lack the maturity to figure out when someone is a sexual predator, Money said. These men will often pose as teens and are willing to chat online for months to build trust. They will either ask to meet or figure out where the girl is when she innocently posts a “Headed-out-to-the-movies” status on Facebook or tweet a similar post to Twitter.Photographs taken with a smart phone are also a danger (see video), Money said. They contain metadata that, when used with decoding and map apps, can pinpoint exactly where they were taken.

The term for it is “geo-tagging,” Money said. It can lead sexual predators right to children’s homes, schools, even their favorite hangouts. For adults, coupled with posts such as, “On vacation for three weeks,” there an invitation to an empty house, vulnerable to theft.

source:http://sanjuancapistrano.patch.com/articles/deputies-offer-tips-to-keep-kids-from-sexting-other-cyber-threats

How To Protect Your Child Against The Evil Side Of The Internet

In the world today, there are many people who take advantage of children. It used to be that we had to worry about predators in parks and playgrounds, and in our neighborhoods. In today's society, we now have to watch and protect them from online predators.Statistics indicate that children who use the Internet often are targeted by online predators more often because they can disguise themselves as same age as the child using the Internet. There are however, guidelines for parents to follow in order to protect their children from the dangerous side of the Internet. 

Internet Safety

Children are extremely vulnerable to Internet predators because they are by nature very trusting. It is important that you teach them safety protocol. It is important that they understand that under no circumstances should they ever give out their personal information on the Internet, and explain to them why these precautions are necessary.

Protect Your Passwords

It is critical that you limit your child's access to certain Internet sites. One way to do this is to password protect your computer and under no circumstances give those passwords to your children. Most children will share passwords with their friends and it defeats the purpose of having them. Passwords will also alert you when your children use the Internet, and you can keep a better watch over what they are doing. They will not be able to sneak on the computer when you are sleeping or at work because they will not know what the passwords are.

Monitor Computer Time

It is very important that you monitor what your children are doing online. Tell your child what is appropriate and what is not. Warn them of the dangers of online communication. Sit your child and watch what they do and say online. More importantly, watch what is said to them. If you are suspicious, keep a log of what is said and contact the local authorities.

Block Access
Blocking access to sites that are not appropriate will go a long way in protecting your child. Many Internet providers provide tools that will allow you to better control your child's time on the Internet. Using parental controls to protect your children is advisable to all parents. With them, you can set the parameters to keep your children safe. With parental controls, you block sites and chat rooms that you feel may be unsafe for your children.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are a great resource for parents in the fight to keep children safe. However, it is not a parental replacement or babysitter. Studies have shown that parents who have direct involvement in their child's Internet use have fewer incidents of predatory harassment.

Kid Safe Browsers

Because of the growing problem of online predators, safeguards have been developed. Kid safe browsers are specifically made for children and do not allow certain keyword searches to be performed.

It may be difficult to explain why these precautions are necessary without scaring your child, however, being cautious is very important when it comes to online safety. Some children are willful and will give their information anyway. This is when it is necessary to restrict their online activity altogether until they are more responsible.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/how-to-protect-your-child-against-the-evil-side-of-the-internet-246381.html

Internet Safety Tips From Toronto Police

Internet safety

Risks

There are many risks and security issues involving the use of the Internet. Children and their parents should be most concerned about:

Viewing inappropriate material

Physical molestation

Harassment

Frauds and Scams

Tips for kids

NEVER give out any personal information such as your address, telephone number, parents' place of work or their phone number, or the name and location of your school

NEVER agree to get together with someone you 'meet' online without first checking with your parents

NEVER send anyone your picture - Don't accept any pictures either

NEVER respond to any messages that make you feel uncomfortable

NEVER lose your common sense while online - Remember, you are talking to a stranger. The people you are talking to may not be who they say they are

NEVER send an insulting or rude message to anyone online. 'Flaming' is not good 'Netiquette'

Use a 'code name'

Report any harassment or inappropriate messages to your online service and to the Police

Set your browser to say NO to 'cookies'

Tips for parents

Learn about what your child is doing on the Internet - Know what Web Sites they are visiting, know what type of chat rooms, e-mail, and messages your child is involved in online

Find out about Filtering Software that is available to block out objectionable material

Set reasonable guidelines for computer use by your children - monitor the amount of time spent on the computer and when

Keep computer usage as a family activity by putting the computer in a family room rather than in the child's bedroom

Ensure your child does not give out personal information. Have them use a 'code name'

Be wary of any offers that involve your child going to a meeting or having someone visit your home - Remember that people may not be who they seem

source:http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/Internet+safety+tips+from+Toronto+Police/4545428/story.html

We Need To Teach Our Kids To Be Tech Savy While Staying Safe

Kids and technology can be a scary combination, and parents are striving to find the right balance between independence and protection for their children.The dangers of technology are well known. “Sex” and “porn” are the fourth and sixth most popular search terms by children on the Internet, according to a study done by Symantec, creators of the Norton online family software.Parents legitimately worry about sexting, texting with strangers, posting of personal information on social networks, online bullying and viewing sexually explicit, violent, or hate-filled material.One of the greatest fears of parents is that their children will be abused by an online sexual predator. The Youth Internet Safety Survey found that 4 percent of kids 10-17 years of age received aggressive unwarranted sexual solicitations on the Internet.When these teens did meet in person with a stranger, in 95 percent of the cases, the sexual contact was “consensual” between a vulnerable teen and a manipulative adult.

The thought that our teen may be exploited by an online stranger is terrifying to any parent. We need to alert our kids to the risks of online contacts, but also want to be careful not to exaggerate the problem and lose credibility.In response to these risks, it seems that more parents are employing surveillance as the way to keep their kids safe. They monitor their teen’s cell phone texts, emails and Internet sites. They covertly install software that records every keystroke on their child’s computer.

“My primary job is to keep my kids safe when they are under my care. When they go off to college, they are on their own,” proclaimed one parent.Here’s the dilemma. You want to keep your kids secure, but you also need to teach them how to become responsible and educated technological citizens when you are not there to monitor their every keystroke or track their every movement with a GPS device.I’ll readily admit that I’m as confused as the parents I counsel, and my advice keeps changing in response to recent research.

Here’s what I think I know at this point.Except in extraordinary circumstances, never covertly monitor your child’s behavior. It destroys trust and credibility.Keep computers in a public setting at least through junior high.If you allow your child to join a social network, make certain that you have complete access to their site.Most importantly, talk lots about this stuff with your kids. Don’t preach, but ask questions and seek their opinions. Remember that your job is to teach them the skills to stay safe when they are not under our care.

source:http://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyle/ohio-health-news/we-need-to-teach-our-kids-to-be-tech-savy-while-staying-safe-1118722.html

Information On Internet Safety for Kids Age 14-17 Years Old

Kids at this age start to exercise full freedom and independence. Sometimes, they try new things in order to test their capacity. But still, they lack the experience to judge things the right way and must be guided in areas where they are likely to commit mistakes, including the use of the internet.
Internet threats to Kids Age 14-17 Years Old

Kids at this age play online games, download music, and shop online. Most boys of this age engage in online gambling, look at explicit adult sites, gore, violence, and adult humor. Both boys and girls enter chat rooms and engage in private chats or use instant messaging like Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Messenger.

They are more welcome to accommodate online acquaintances and build relationships online that would possibly end up in a real-life meeting. They are more prone to receive pornographic spam and will likely end up clicking links that contain explicit material. They can easily be persuaded to join online contests and fill out forms that ask for personal information.

These may not seem to be a danger for them since they "are just trying out new things." But these are the things that you should watch out for.

Internet Safety for Kids:

Kids at this age start to exercise full freedom and independence. Sometimes, they try new things in order to test their capacity. But still, they lack the experience to judge things the right way and must be guided in areas where they are likely to commit mistakes, including the use of the internet.

Internet threats to Kids Age 14-17 Years Old

Kids at this age play online games, download music, and shop online. Most boys of this age engage in online gambling, look at explicit adult sites, gore, violence, and adult humor. Both boys and girls enter chat rooms and engage in private chats or use instant messaging like Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Messenger.

They are more welcome to accommodate online acquaintances and build relationships online that would possibly end up in a real-life meeting. They are more prone to receive pornographic spam and will likely end up clicking links that contain explicit material. They can easily be persuaded to join online contests and fill out forms that ask for personal information.

These may not seem to be a danger for them since they "are just trying out new things." But these are the things that you should watch out for.

Safety tips:

•    Keep the internet-connected computer outside their bedrooms

•    Create a rule on how to properly use the internet. Set a time where they can access the internet. Make sure they follow it.

•    If they are using the instant messaging, ask them on discuss their friends on the list. Tell them not to talk to strangers. Tell them to enter friendly and moderated chat rooms only.

•    Encourage them to talk to you about the people they meet online.

•    Tell them not to trust anyone online.

•    Set firewall or filtering software so that they can't access websites that contain explicit materials such as violence and pornography.

•    Remind your kids on the risks that online gambling may bring.

•    Tell them not to give up any personal information such as names, addresses, and bank account numbers.

•    Teach your kids to check with you first whenever they make online financial transactions including selling and buying online.

•    Tell your kids to exercise ethical behavior online and not to engage in fights and bullying.

•    Tell your kids not to open junk mails or download attachments from unknown senders.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/information-on-internet-safety-for-kids-age-1417-years-old-1039110.html

How To Make The Web Safe For Kids

Following this year's Safer Internet Day, which took place last month, NSPCC Northern Ireland has called on parents and carers to make sure both they and their children are web-wise.With social media constantly evolving, children are communicating online not just through their PC, but on mobile phones and game consoles. Understanding the internet and the risks it can pose is the first step to keeping your child safe.Neil Anderson, national head of service for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “The internet can be a wonderful resource, but it is not without its pitfalls.“Safer Internet Day has offered an opportunity for parents to find out more about the online environment, and make sure their children understand the risks and can make sensible and informed choices.“As young people across the region log on to play games, chat to peers and socialise, I would urge parents to find an opportunity to talk about the possible dangers online. Not only can you never really be sure who you are talking to, but without meaning to do so you can make yourself vulnerable by giving away personal information.“Parents can play their part by talking openly to their children about their activities on the internet, ensuring they follow advice on internet safety and encouraging them to speak out if they see anything that makes them feel upset or uncomfortable.”

While interactive social media technology continues to grow, the potential for misuse is high. Risks can include cyberbullying, grooming and potential abuse by online predators, identity theft and exposure to inappropriate content.

The NSPCC is offering parents some advice on how to make cyberspace safer:

• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details such as their email address, mobile number, school name or arrangements for meeting up with friends.

• Make them aware that they need to think carefully about the information and pictures they post on their profiles. Once published online, anyone can change or share these images.

•If your child receives spam or junk email and texts, remind them never to believe their contents, reply to them or use them.

•Help your child to understand that some people lie online and that they should never meet up with any strangers.

source:http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/technology/internet/how-to-make-the-web-safe-for-kids-1.1042425

Keeping Teenage Girls Off Dangerous Websites

Like most teenage girls, Hannah Black and her friends love to check their Facebook pages and post photos.But one day, one of Black's friends was brutally attacked online."They were making up rumors about her, calling her a whore, saying she was ugly and she wasn't pretty and no one should like her and no one does like her," Black said."Here, this beautiful, smart, intelligent, well-rounded young girl being sexually harassed and taunted at every turn," said Black's father, Sam Black.
Besides being the father of a teenage girl, Black is an Internet safety professional.He knows first hand what dangers lurk online for teen girls."Body image, sexualization of women and girls, cyber bullying," he said. "All these things can play out on the Internet."Michele Borba, author of the "Big Book of Parenting Solutions," says while sites may post rules against bullying or harassing, not all teens follow them."There are a number of new sites that look like they're harmless, but are actually teaching our girls very, very vicious lifestyle changes," Borba said.

"Formspring is one of the new kinds of websites that looks like a social network that is popping up online for our daughters," Borba said. "It looks tame enough. But once they log on, what it actually encourages instead is to send vicious notes toward one another in an anonymous nature."Formspring.com said in an e-mail that they take safety and privacy seriously and have developed practices for blocking inappropriate content.The people behind Formspring say they're developing more tools for a safer online experience. For example, all questions sent to Formspring stay in a private inbox until a member responds.

But experts say social networking sites aren't the only types that raise concern.There are new online games where teens create and play highly-sexualized characters. "If you earn a certain amount of points in life, you can even buy yourself a sugar daddy," Borba said. "Totally unhealthy and you do not want your daughters in any part of it."Then there are the websites that promote anorexia and bulimia with photographs of frail and skinny models and step-by-step "tutorials."

"Specific directions on how to purge, how to purchase diet pills and it is doing damage," Borba said. "Stanford University found that 96 percent of girls who are anorexic learned a lot of their eating habits on those sites."So how can parents keep kids off potentially dangerous websites? They should invest in parental control software and monitor their teen's online history.They can also do Google searches on their kid's full name to see if anything comes up.A walk by to see if they abruptly stop as they're online is also a good idea.Finally, they should take the time to get Internet savvy. It could make all the difference in their daughter's life.

"You need to step up to the plate," Borba said. "You need to monitor because we're raising our children in a tough world."

source:http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8000536