© John Dinser
INTERNET DANGERS NIGHT
May 30, 2006
The Internet has opened up a whole new world for our
children. Research, homework help, museums, email, chatting, games, and more
are readily available at the touch of a button. But there are certain things
that our children need to be protected from too. With some knowledge and
participation, you can help your child stay safe online.
Here are some tips to help keep your
children safe online:
Learn about the Internet - Become more
computer literate, and know what services your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
offers. Does it provide Parental Controls? Can your child create
"profiles"? Their own web page? If so,
monitor what they create. You may be surprised!
Discuss with your child about anonymity
online. Explain to them that a person is not always who they represent
themselves to be. That nice 10 year old girl they've been talking to may
actually be a 40 year old man.
Never allow your child to give out personal
information such as their address, phone number, or birth date.
Do not allow your child to respond to messages
that make them uncomfortable. Obscene or threatening email messages should be
forwarded to your Internet Service Provider (AOL, Charter, SBC
Yahoo).
Do not allow your child to arrange a meeting
with someone they have met online.
Consider using the parental controls that may
be available from your ISP. When your child is accessing the Internet at Sage
Ridge, their access is restricted and filtered by our servers.
Help your child create their username. Avoid
using personal information such as first and last name, birth date, and home
town.
Sit down with your child and agree on your own
home policies. Agree on time limits, types of websites your child may and
may not visit, use of Instant Messaging and chat rooms.
Keep your online computer in a family living
space to more easily monitor activities.
Check your child’s browser history regularly.
- To view the history on the Microsoft Internet
Explorer browser:
There is a history button on the top, or you can click on "View" then "Explorer Bar" then "History". Or you can just press the control key and h key together. - To adjust the number of days kept in the
history:
Click on "View" then "Internet Options" then use the up or down arrow in the history section to adjust the number of days. - To clear history:
Click on "View" then "Internet Options" then click on "Clear History" button in the history section. - If your child has another browser installed such
as Mozilla Firefox, it
will have to be checked and configured separately
Useful Links:
Internet Dangers
Here you'll
find essential advice, links to news about the latest dangers, tips and a
regular e-mail newsletter with news and information - plus the various software
products and books you need to keep your family and your PC safe.
http://www.internetdangers.com/
MySpace Safety Tips
Tips for
Teens and Parents on How to Use MySpace.com Safely and Responsibly. MySpace.com
is by far the most popular online community among teenagers and pre-teens.
Chances are good that your child will sign up for a free MySpace
profile at some point, if they have not already. This site is updated often
with the latest concerns and techniques to mitigate risks and it has a very
comprehensive primer available for download. This is highly recommended reading
since MySpace usage is so ubiquitous.
http://www.myspacesafetytips.com/
Internet Safety at About.com
This page
has links to the top articles on About.com regarding Internet safety for
parents.
http://familyinternet.about.com/cs/internetsafety/index.htm
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Brought to you by
the FBI, this site offers helpful definitions, and information as to what are
the signs that your child might be at risk online. http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
CyberAngels
Provides online classes on many topics concerning
Internet issues. Available are tips for parents, a Parental Agreement, and
more.
http://www.cyberangels.org/
GetNetWise.org
An Online Safety
Guide that has age-related safety tips, explains the
types of risks online and privacy information.
http://www.getnetwise.org/
The PoliceNotebook
Tips and tools for
parents on keeping their kids safe online, notes, advice and warnings for
parents and kids.
Also advice for adults on online shopping, email chain
letters and more.
http://www.ou.edu/oupd/inetmenu.htm
Safe Kids
At this site, you'll "find tips, advice and suggestions to make your
family's online experience fun and productive".
http://www.safekids.com/
Links Mentioned in the presentation:
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
For your convenience, this document is posted at www.sageridge.org/dangers.