Parent’s Guide to Online Safety
The internet opens a world of possibilities for children and helps them expand their horizons; but it also poses a greater threat than most parents realize. As technology advances and children have greater access to the internet through computers and mobile devices, the risk of a child being confronted with disturbing or inappropriate material increases, as well as the risk of compromising their personal safety.
Parents, you can help safeguard your children from potentially dangerous situations by explaining to them the dangers of the internet, and teaching them to always use safe online practices. Simply follow the safety tips below to help minimize your child’s risk of internet victimization.
Online Safety Tips for Parents
- Have open communication with your child. Talk to your
child about potential online dangers such as online
predators and cyberbullying. - Be involved with your child’s internet activities. Spend time with them online, and have them share their favorite websites and who their buddies are online.
- Keep the computer in an open, common area, such as the family room or kitchen, so you can closely monitor your child’s online activity.
- Use parental control features and/or special blocking software to help monitor and restrict what sites your child visits. While these are helpful resources, do not rely entirely on them.
- Learn what computer safeguards are being used at your child’s school and the homes of their friends. Your child could encounter an online predator at any of these places outside your normal supervision.
- Set online rules with your child. Decide the times of day your child may access the internet, the length of time and appropriate sites they are allowed to visit.
- Maintain access to your child’s online accounts and randomly check his/her electronic messages. Be honest with your child about your access, and explain to them that their safety always comes first.
Online Safety Rules for Kids
Children should follow the safe practices below:
- Never give out your name, home address, school name, or phone number, or send a picture to someone without your parent’s permission.
- Never agree to meet with anyone you chat with online without your parent’s permission first.
- Do not reveal too much about yourself. People you meet online may not be who they say they are.
- Do not respond to anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or scared and tell someone right away if this happens.
- Never download pictures or videos from someone you do not know. The material may be inappropriate and disturbing to view.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Report Online Child Exploitation
According to the Department of Justice, The Online Sexual Exploitation toll‐free number has received more than 225,000 calls since 2004. Also, the number of federal child exploitation prosecutions has increased significantly since 2006. Parents, please report any suspicious behavior your child incurs while online to 1‐800‐843‐5678 or www.cybertipline.com.
This Parent's Guide to Online Safety is presented by Atlanta/Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys, Montlick & Associates.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law has been committed to family safety and preventing injuries for over 23 years. The Parent's Guide to Online Safety above can help you protect your child from online dangers. Parents please take the time talk openly with your child about their online activities, and teach them to always use the safe practices provided above by Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers Montlick & Associates.