Internet Safety for Parents

Locate The Internet Access Computer In A High Traffic Area.

The location of the family computer should be in a high traffic area within the home. This will increase the likelihood that the child will not be alone when using the Internet and therefore have less of an opportunity of being taken advantage of you a sexual predator. Rather than being located in a bedroom or study, place the computer in the living room, family room or kitchen.

Parents Should Take A Course On The Use Of The Internet Or Have Their Children Teach Them. Make It A Family Activity

Many Internet courses are available through schools, colleges and even some computer sales outlets to familiarize new users with this new environment. Children are often quite conversant with the Internet. Make the Internet a family experience so that all may learn together.

Teach Your Child To Stop Immediately If They See Or Read Anything That Upsets Them.

If your child sees something on the Internet that upsets them, show them how to use the STOP button when downloading or use BACK to go to the previous screen.

If e-mail is found to be disturbing, save it and forward a copy to the ISP with a complaint. They should respond to assist you.

Select A Family-Friendly Internet Service Provider.

Some Internet Service Providers make efforts to filter out obscene material.Before subscribing to an Internet Service Provider,

0. Ask if they have programs in place to block obscene material.
0. Ask if they maintain a list of recommended Internet sites that are family-friendly.
0. Ask what actions they take towards individuals who act inappropriately through their service

Acquire Software To Assist In Protection From The Internet.

 InternetFreeware Filters on the Internet include:
"CyberSitter" – www.solidoak.com
"CyberPatrol" – www.cyberpatrol.com
"Netnanny" – www.netnanny.com
"Surfwatch" – www.surfwatch.com

Most filterware contains combinations of two components (a) word search that triggers the blockage (b) a list of sites to be blocked. Some filterware will only allow access to pre-approved sites. However, this is usually extremely limited and severely restricts the child’s access to valuable areas of the Internet. These software options are easily circumvented, so do not solely rely on software to protect your child.

Maintain Open Lines Of Communication With Your Child

The most important defense in the protection of your child against pedophiles and child pornography on the Internet is effective communication.

0. Establish rules and guidelines for the use of the computer

0. Should include number of hours per day
0. Must include times of the day

0. If your child is curious about what topics are being discussed on the Internet, ensure that he or she can come to you.

0. If someone on the Internet is harassing your child, make sure that your child knows to come to you. You would then contact the Internet Service Provider. If the harassment continues, contact your local police service to register a complaint.

If your child is on the Internet, find out who their "cyber-friends" are.

Never Agree To Meet, In Person, An Individual Met On The Internet.

Because of the anonymity of the internet it easy for individuals to pretend to be anyone they wish to be. Chat Rooms are especially risky for children.

A person who presents themselves as a 14 year old girl may in fact be a much older male predator.

Restrict Access To The Internet When There Is No Supervision Available.

Software is available which will block online access during certain times of the day. For example, you may wish to deny access to the Internet from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. but still allow the child access to other functions of the computer.

Be Sensitive To The Actions Of Your Child On The Internet.

 If your child becomes very nervous or turns off the computer monitor or changes the computer program whenever an adult comes near, this should send a warning flag that your child may be hiding something. You may wish to investigate further.

Be aware of the potential for addiction on the internet.

Monitor Your Long Distance Telephone Bills For Unknown Telephone Numbers

Once the pedophile has been talking to your child on the Internet, he/she may be successful in getting your home location and/or telephone number. Your child and the Pedophile may then start communicating via telephone.

Some General Tips

0. Never open e-mail from an unknown person or company
0. Never respond to inflammatory, obscene or insulting e-mails
0. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone met on the Internet
0. Never post pictures of themselves on the Internet
0. Never give identifying information such as name, home address, school name or telephone number
0. Never download pictures or text from an unknown source
0. Whatever information is told on-line may or may not be the truth