by Bruce L. Dorner
Are your kids safe on the Internet highway? Well, I hate to say it, but they don’t have speed limits and they don’t require seat belts on the Infobahn!
The power of the Internet never ceases to amaze me. There are both depth and breadth as you journey through the nooks and crannies of on-line information. Clearly, the need for parental supervision of children depends greatly upon the age and maturity of the child and the respect or fear the child has of the parent’s capability to effectively monitor on-line activity.
First, with young children consider installing a software program to filter out and prevent them from accessing unsavory web sites. These tools have the capability to detect pornographic sites and prevent kids from viewing the text or images. Parents can use a password to turn the software on or off and to set various levels of protection. However, if you have an older child who is particularly adept with computers be careful. Often they have sufficient skill to circumvent passwords and get to places you have on the prohibited list. As with any child’s activities, they must be age specific. You don’t want a 3-year-old crossing the street, but at five, you’re probably more comfortable with a solo trip to the next door neighbor. Set levels that are age appropriate.
Second, instruct your children to never give out personal information on the Internet unless you, the parent, have personally approved the release. With sexual predators visiting children’s chat rooms on the Internet, we have to use extra caution. Once your child’s name and address is on the Internet, it is fair game.
Kids often like to register for on-line contests. Be sure that the web site is legitimate. Shortly after registering you may find your mailbox flooded with junk e-mail (spam). Guess what — they sold your e-mail address to many companies who now send you more junk mail than the U.S. Postal Service could ever carry.
Third, when your kids visit web-sites, read the so-called “privacy policy.” Do they agree to hold all information internally? Do you believe them? Enough said!
Fourth, be concerned about privacy. I suggest a careful review of web sites sites such as Privacy Foundation, and The Better Business Bureau. Both of them offer a quick view of the issues and concerns.
Are you concerned about what information is available about you and your family on the Web? Take a look at www.anybirthday.com. You’ll amaze your friends and scare your family. Want to look for people and assets, consider a visit to www.accurint.com. Both of these sites are regularly used by business people and lawyers to find information that you probably didn’t think was so easily available.
Care to move into the Buck Rogers realm. Take a look at www.digitalangel.net. They make a wrist watch type device that tracks the movements of children or people with medical problems such as Alzheimer’s. Sure, they cost money, but if personal safety is an issue, the cost is acceptable. We’ve watched too many news reports of kidnaped children and mentally impaired elders wandering into harms way.
However, with all of these cautions, remember, your kids will never get through school without learning how to safely use the Internet. Encourage them to explore. Be there to support them and encourage them. Maybe you’ll learn a few things from your children. I learned a great deal from mine!
This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice. You should consult with your own attorney before making any legal decision.