Some tips for keeping children safe online
Posted on Mon, Feb. 20, 2006 Some tips for keeping children safe onlineAssociated PressSome tips for keeping children safe online: WATCH: _ Keep the computer in a family room so parents can monitor what happens online. _ Be alert if children receive gifts or letters in the mail or unusual phone calls. _ Keep kids out of chat rooms or monitor their chats. Know whom they talk to. _ See what Web sites children create online. Review what information and pictures are being released. MySpace discourages posting any personally identifiable information. _ Review what files are on the computer. If computers are too confusing, ask a friend, relative or co-worker to help. TALK: _ Let children know not to give out personal information such as phone numbers or addresses. _ Explain that people may not be who they claim to be. Some adults pretend to be kids. _ Encourage children to discuss their favorite Web sites and talk about what happens on the Internet, including people they meet. LIMIT: _ Children should not spend too much time on the Internet, especially late at night. _ Set time limits on surfing and restrict most computer use for specific purposes, such as school work. _ Consider installing software that monitors Internet surfing. Sources: WiredKids.org, MySpace.com, FBI http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/dfw/news/breaking_news/13916008.htm