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Did you
know
*1 out of
5 kids has been sexually solicited online
*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 "sexyteen5" 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.
Resource: Joshua Finer, Internet Safety expert and
CEO of
Software4Parents.com
For free information on choosing the right Internet safety product for your
family, visit
www.software4parents.com
Do you
know parents who would benefit from this article? Feel free to forward this
article in its entirety.
NOTE: The article above titled "The
Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them" was provided by a
visitor to "The New Parents Guide" and is the opinion of its author
Joshua Finer. "The New Parents Guide" does not guarantee the information to
be factual. Always use the guidance of your child's doctor
over information you read on this site or elsewhere; your doctor knows what is
best for your baby.
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