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The Real Dangers to Kids Online
and How to Avoid Them
by J. Finer
Did you know ...
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1 out of 5 kids has
been sexually solicited online
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1 out of 4 kids has
been sent a picture of naked people or people having sex online that
May 21, 2002 there was the first death of a child linked directly to
an Internet Predator?
Parents' biggest concern
about the Internet used to be pornography, but there is definitely a
greater fear today.
You have probably taught your child not to talk to strangers, and in
many situations, they would remember this. But the Internet is
different.
Due to the Internet's anonymity, strangers are talking to children all
the time. They try to gain the child's trust by having friendly
conversation at first, but over time, their true objective of sexually
soliciting the child becomes evident. Children and parents alike are
unaware of this, yet this is exactly what is going on via the Internet.
What can today's parent do? Armed with information, there's quite a bit
a parent can do.
Software4Parents.com's Top 5 Internet Safety Tips
1. Tell your child to NEVER EVER reveal their name, address, phone
number or any other personal information to ANYONE online. Once you give
out this information, it is impossible to retract.
2. Communicate regularly (not just once) with your child about WHAT they
do online and WHO they talk to online. If you have actually met the
friends they are talking to in person, you'll know it is OK for them to
chat with them online.
3. Take computers out of kids' rooms and put them into public areas such
as the family room. Many parents think they are helping with homework by
giving the kids a computer, but it also opens certain dangers that you
may be unaware of.
4. Choose your child's screen name, email address or instant message
name wisely - don't' reveal ages, sex, hobbies, and CERTAINLY NOT
suggestive or sexy names. Predators are more likely to pursue a child
with the screen name "foxyteen5" than "happygirl5"
5. Use technology to help you protect your child. Monitoring software
gives you the ability to review your child's Internet usage. Even if you
don't look at each and every email or instant message they send, you'll
have a good idea if they are making smart choices online.
The Internet can open many doors and provide useful information for
children. An aware and informed parent can help keep children safe.
About the Author
Joshua Finer,
J. Finer, Internet Safety expert and CEO of Software4Parents.com For
free information on choosing the right Internet safety product for your
family, email choosing@software4parents.com or visit
www.software4parents.com/choosing.html
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