Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet

The Internet can be an amazing tool. Never before has information on so many subjects been so easy to access. With just the click of a mouse, you can transport yourself on virtual journeys anywhere in cyberspace. Education and customized communication has become more accessible than ever before.

With all of the benefits that the Internet can bring, it can also present some pitfalls for children. Some dangers have proliferated right alongside the positive forces on the Internet. There are many defenses against these cyber-dangers, but the strongest defense your children can have against these dangers is you - the parent.

The most important thing you can do to protect your family is to have an open line of communication with them. Let your children know that you are there to help them and will answer any questions they may have about online safety. If they encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable, let them know they can talk to you about it.

Know about your children's online habits and spend time with them as they surf the web. Set Internet guidelines together as a family. If your children have a say in family rules, they may be more willing to support and obey them.

You may want to think about where you keep the family computer. Keeping your computer in a public area in your home can let you stay informed about your family's computer habits.

Besides these tips for keeping your family safe on the Internet, here are some excellent sites to learn more about how to keep your children safe while they're online:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation - The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are concerned about children's safety, both in the real world and in cyberspace. This site gives parents some great tips on guarding their children from online dangers.

• GetNetWise - This site gives parents more information about drafting an online safety contract with their children, which sets up ground rules for having safe experiences online.