Internet Safety

I've been reading many articles on Internet safety for the Contentious Paper. I just recently found a site that spoke to the parents and what there jobs were in keeping their children safe on the Internet. http://kidshealth.org
It also stresses the Internet safety laws, The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, (COPPA). This prevent students from giving out their information without parents permission. COPPA requires websites to explain their privacy policies on the site and get parental consent before collecting or using a child's personal information.
Even with this law in place a child's best protection from Internet "bad guys" is their parents. The article lists suggestions on how parents should go about protecting the children.

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.
• Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor its use.
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
• Bookmark kids' favorite sites for easy access.
• Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior.
• Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software. Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals a user's email address to others.
• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
• Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school, after-school center, friends' homes, or anyplace where kids could use a computer without your supervision.
• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
• Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages you or your kids get to your Internet service provider.
• Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 if you're aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography online. Contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI if your child has received child pornography via the Internet.

Set up some simple rules for your kids to follow while they're using the Internet, such as:

• Follow the rules you set, as well as those set by your Internet service provider.
• Never trade personal photographs in the mail or scanned photographs over the Internet.
• Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location. Use only a screen name. Never agree to meet anyone from a chat room in person.
• Never respond to a threatening email or message.
• Always tell a parent about any communication or conversation that was scary.
• If your child has a new "friend," insist on being "introduced" online to that friend.

There are also warning signs to watch out for in case you child does fall victim to an Internet crime. When they spend long hours online, especially at night, phone calls from people you don't know, or unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail. If your child suddenly turns off the computer when you walk into the room, ask why and monitor computer time more closely. Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities are other signs to watch for.

There are also other related articles for parents to read:
Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet
Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries

And articles for Teens and Kids:
Safe Cyberspace Surfing
Internet Safety Safe Surfing Tips for Teens