Know Your Available Protection Features

Know the protection features of the Web sites and software your children use. Your Internet service provider (ISP) may have tools to help you manage young childrens online experience (e.g., selecting approved Web sites, monitoring the amount of time they spend online, or limiting the people who can contact them) and may have other security features, such as pop-up blockers. Third-party tools are also available. But remember that your home isn't the only place they can go online.

Review the Privacy Settings

Review the privacy settings of social network sites, cell phones, and other social tools your children use. Decide together which settings provide the appropriate amount of protection for each child.

Explain the Implications

Help your children understand the public nature of the Internet and its risks as well as benefits. Be sure they know that any digital info they share, such as emails, photos, or videos, can easily be copied and pasted elsewhere, and is almost impossible to take back. Things that could damage their reputation, friendships, or future prospects should not be shared electronically.

Just Saying NO Rarely Works

Teach your children how to interact safely with people they "meet" online. Though it's preferable they make no in-person contact with online-only acquaintances, young people may not always follow this rule. So talk about maximizing safe conditions: meeting only in well-lit public places, always taking at least one friend, and telling a trusted adult about any plans they make including the time, place, and acquaintances contact information (at least a name and cell phone number). Remind them to limit sharing personal information with new friends.

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