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Monitor Internet use to protect children from online dangers

Without leaving the comfort of a cushioned chair, predators can learn your children's relationship status on MySpace.com, view photographs of them with friends on Webshots.com and watch a video of their bedroom on WebcamNow.com.

If asked, more than 29% of Internet-using children will give out personal information such as their home or e-mail address, according to a study by Crimes Against Children Research Center.

With the increasing popularity of networking sites and webcams (video cameras that broadcast images to a computer), parents should encourage children to take precautions when browsing and chatting online. Here are some safety tips:

• Learn about computers, the Internet and online predators, and keep current with technology.
• Work with your child to develop online safety rules and discuss how he or she is going to use the computer.
• Keep computers in a common area. Occasionally look at the screen to see what your child is viewing.
• Use blocking software to prevent your kids from looking at inappropriate material. Also, look at the Internet history to see what Web sites your child has visited.
• Know your child's password and screen names. For a Wet site like MySpace.com or chat rooms, have access to his or her account information.
• Teach your child never to send personal information online. Your child should never arrange a meeting, send a picture or broadcast a webcam video to someone he or she meets online. Your child should never tell anyone his or her password but you.
• Tell your child to talk to you if he or she feels uncomfortable. Your child should not respond to any material or people that make him or her feel unsafe.

Dan Broughton, M.D., FAAP, of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Communications, advises parents to teach their children to be conscientious of their online behavior. "When you're online, you're in the public," he said.

-Zach Samson
-2006 American Academy of Pediatrics, June of 2006