Safe surfing – Keep your child protected when online

Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension assistant parenting specialist said just like any safety issue, it is important to talk to your children about your concerns.

“Make sure you take advantage of the resources to protect them from potential dangers,” she said. “And be sure to keep a close eye on their activities.”

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires Web sites to explain their privacy policies and get parents’ permission before collecting or using a child’s personal information. This includes name, address, phone number or social security number. In addition, this law prohibits a site from requiring a child to supply more personal information than needed to play a game or contest.

Richardson said even though there are laws to protect children, the best protection in done by the parent. By talking to children about the potential online dangers and monitoring computer use, children will surf the net safely.

Chat rooms are a virtual online community where a chat session takes place. They are usually set up according to interest or subject.

“Since people can communicate to each other alone or in a group, chat rooms are very popular with children and teens,” Richardson said.

When your child posts a message to chat rooms it reveals their email address to others. The threats with chat rooms are the online predators who are exploiting children to give them personal information.

Oftentimes predators pose as teenagers in chat rooms. Since many children have been taught not to give out their personal information, predators persuade children to call them and with caller ID the offenders automatically have the child’s phone number, she said.

If your child is spending long hours online (especially at night), if there are phone calls from people you do not know or unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail, these are signs your child may be a target of a predator. Quickly turning off the monitor when you walk into the room, withdrawing from family life and an unwillingness to discuss online activities are other signs you need to monitor your child’s online activity.

Richardson suggests the following steps for getting involved with your child’s online activities:

• Be computer literate and learn how to block offensive material.

• Keep the computer in a common area, where you can monitor your child.
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
• Bookmark your child’s favorite sites for easy access.
• Spend time online together to teach your child suitable online manners.
• Do not let your child enter private chat rooms. Block them with safety filters provided by your Internet provider.
• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unknown account charges.
• Encourage your child to tell you if they receive a message that is uncomfortable, confusing or threatening.
• If your child experiences an uncomfortable online exchange, take him or her seriously.
• If you or your child receives threatening messages, forward these to your Internet service provider.

“If parents take an active role in their child’s Internet activities, they can ensure their children are benefiting from the many good things it has to offer,” Richardson said. “This can be done without being exposed to the potential online dangers.”

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.