How to save kids from online predators

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How to save kids from online predators

June is the Internet safety month. With hundred of millions of teens, pre-teens and adults around the world using social networking sites, there's no better time for parents to be aware of the fun, benefits, powerful attractions, and the potential risks that the popular social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook and others pose to children.

Here are a few tips for parents that can go a long way in ensuring a safe and healthy networking environment for kids.

Show interest

Ask questions about how your child’s preferred social networking site or sites work. Kids are generally happy to demonstrate their knowledge if you show genuine interest.

You can even ask your teen to show you how to set up your own social networking site -- a great way to visit your child's page and see what's been posted there.

Discourage them to add strangers

Kids often can instinctively do the right thing, which makes them their own first defence against those who may take advantage online.

Encourage your children to avoid contact with people they "feel funny about." Tell them not to reveal anything online they would not want a stranger to know. Limit the posting of pictures and remind them that once something is placed online, it can never be taken back.

Know their passwords

If your child changes his or her password suddenly and refuses to share it with you, that's trouble.

Insist on knowing how to access his or her accounts -- then keep their confidence by not sharing the information with their friends or siblings

Set Internet hours

Late nights are the favourite time for predators to seek out their adolescent prey. Set firm limits not only for the time of day, but also the total amount of time, that your children may access social networking sites.

Kids don't have to access their social networks at home. Libraries, friends' houses, even cell phones make the Internet easy to reach today. Keep up with what's happening on your child's social networking page and be aware when changes have been made despite the lack of access from home.

Check for photos

By clicking on the Windows "Start" button, you'll find the "Search" tool. Click on "Pictures, Music or Video," the box next to "Pictures and Photos," and finally "Search".

Ask your child to identify any photos of strangers, or any other pictures that you find questionable.

Install filtering software

PC products like Safe Eyes allow parents to block or record Instant Messenger chats, limit email use to prescribed addresses, block objectionable websites (including peer-to-peer file sharing programmes that often expose kids to inappropriate material), and receive alerts when kids post personal information on social networking sites.

Watch for cyberbullying

Speak to your children regularly. Encourage them to tell you immediately if they are being harassed online. Children also need to know that it is not acceptable to be a party to cyberbullying or to remain silent when they know others are being harassed.

However, don’t lecture your kids. Have a discussion about values and why they are important. Respect your child but be firm.

Courtesy: AFP