Child Internet Safety Tips

Here are some child internet safety tips that you can teach your little one.

When my son told me how he was able to use the computer, I knew I had to teach him about internet safety.

You maybe thinking that because your little one is using the computer but not in a chat room or on an adult site, he/she should be “safe” on the computer. But think of these scenarios.

Let’s say you are cooking dinner and your little one is on the computer on his favorite children’s website. You are focused on cooking, and your little one is having a great time playing a game. Your little one sees and flashing ad banner in bright, bold colors. Out of curiosity, he/she clicks on it. Your little one is no longer on his favorite website. He/She is now on a totally different site.

What if your little one is able to read and use the keyboard? He/She can now go on sites like You Tube. One minute your little one could be looking at a video appropriate for kids, the next (because of the related video recommendations given by YouTube) he/she could be looking at a video that is for adults.

So here are some child internet safety ground rules that you can implement in your family.

1. They should not give out their real name, address, or telephone number. They also should not give out their parent’s name or information.

2. Instill in your child that people you meet on the computer are considered strangers. And just as you would not give out your information to a stranger on the street, you should not give out your personal (or your parent’s) information out on the internet.

3. Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use. A computer in a bedroom cannot be as easily monitored.

4. For easy access, bookmark your little one’s favorite websites.

5. Spend time online with your little one to teach him/her appropriate online behavior.

6. Observe what your little one is doing online. He/She may accidentally open hyperlinks that lead to unsuitable sites, so always sit with him/her when he/she is on the internet.

7. If your child has a new "friend," insist on being "introduced" online to that friend.

8. Use the parental controls features for your computer. This helps prevent your little one from accidentally downloading or visiting inappropriate websites.

9. Keep the popup blocker "on" so unwanted sites cannot open on the computer.

10. Limit the computer time. Have a set amount of time that your little one can spend on the computer.

The internet is a wonderful resource tool. Your little one can learn so much and the world is literally at their fingertips. However this easy access can be harmful. That is why adult supervision, setting child internet safety rules, and using parental controls on your computer are so important while your little one is learning how to use the computer.

Return from Child Internet Safety Page to Kids Safety Page

Return from Child Internet Safety Page to Home Page