Internet Safety

Child Safety on the Information Highway

Some call it cyberspace, others call it the "digital highway". Whatever it's called, millions of people are now connecting their personal computers to telephone lines so that they can "go online". Traditionally, online services have been oriented towards adults, but that's changing. An increasing number of schools are going online and , in many homes, children are logging on to commercial services, private bulletin boards, and the internet. As a parent you need to understand the nature of these systems.

• Online services are maintained by commercial, self-regulated businesses that may screen or provide editorial/user controls, when possible, of the material contained on their systems.

• Computer Bulletin Boards, called BBS systems, can be operated by individuals, businesses, or organizations. The material presented is usually theme oriented offering information on hobbies and interest. While there are BBS systems that feature "adult" oriented material, most attempt to limit minors from accessing the information contained in those systems.

• The Internet, a global "network of networks," is NOT governed by any entity. This leaves no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by accessible to internet users.

The Benefits of the Information Highway

The vast array of services that you currently find online is constantly growing. Reference information such as news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias, and airline fares are readily available online. Users can conduct transactions such as trading stocks, making travel reservations, banking, and shopping online. Millions of people communicate through electronic mail (E-mail) with family and friends around the world and others use the public message boards to make new friends who share common interests. As an educational and entertainment tool, users can learn about virtually any topic, take a college course , or play an endless number of computer games with other users or against the computer itself. User computing is enhanced by accessing online thousands of shareware and free public domain software titles.

Most people who use online services have mainly positive experiences. But, like any endeavor--traveling, cooking, or attending school--there are some risks. The online world, like the rest of society, is made up of a wide array of people. Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting or even mean and exploitative.

Children and teenagers get a lot of benefit from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation in this as in any other environment.

Guidelines for Parents

By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:

• Never give out identifying information--home address, school name , or telephone number--in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards, and be sure you're dealing with someone you know and trust before giving it out via e-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or not listing your child's name if your service allows it.

• Get to know the services your child uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your child to how you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable material.

• Never allow a child to arrange a face to face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.

• Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of sexual nature, or threatening , forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.

Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678. You should also notify your online service and local police.

• Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Thus, someone indicating that "she" is a "12 year old girl" could in reality be a 40 year old man.

• Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that's "too good to be true" probably is. Be careful about offers that involve coming to a meeting or having someone visit your house.

• Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor their compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child or teenager's excessive use of online services or bulletin boards, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic baby-sitters.
  
  Be sure to make this a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child's bedroom. Get to know their "online friends" just as you get to know all of their other friends.