Protect Your Children

You must protect your children when they are online. Predators really are out there. The average child has no way of knowing what they are getting into. It's not my intention to create fear and panic, but to make certain that you are aware that this problem is real and can't be ignored.

Predators know how easy it is to get children to trust them if they sound interested in the kids lives or problems or figure out some way to capture their interest. Predators will invest large amounts of time and money trying to build a relationship with a child. The predator will tell any lie, buy the child nice clothes or toys, and side with them when the child complains about circumstances at home, such as Mom and Dad are so unfair...etc,etc.

Children are innocent and trusting. They need to be educated about personal safety on the internet. They need you, even when they don't know it. It may seem like "big brother" is watching over to them, but an uncomfortable living child is much better than a missing or dead one.

6 Tips for Protecting Your Child

1. Use some type of filtering software.
2. Supervise online time.
3. Don't put the computer in a room separate from the rest of the family, have it where you can glance at it occasionally and see what is on the screen.
4. Sit down with the children and discuss the issues calmly before there is a problem. Hysteria and accusations will get you nowhere. You are the adult, educate and guide.
5. Use tools like the Parent/Child Contracts on the next page to emphasize the importance of security. Also check out the free workshops at NetSmartz.org.
6. Parents need to educate themselves about what is going on in cyberspace. Use the news feed in the left column to check out the cyberculture and learn what types of content are vying for your child's attention.

Parents or caregivers, educators, government officials, law enforcement, and youth organizations that want to learn more about the Internet and the possible dangers to children online should visit www.NetSmartz.org.
To ensure a safe and positive experience for children, NetSmartzKids.org does not link to any outside sources. You can trust that this site is safe for your children. Please visit http://www.NetSmartz.org by clipping on the link or typing the address into your browser.

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