Child Safety on the Information
Highway
Some call it cyberspace, others call it the
"digital highway". Whatever it's called, millions of people are now
connecting their personal computers to telephone lines so that they can
"go online". Traditionally, online services have been oriented towards
adults, but that's changing. An increasing number of schools are going
online and , in many homes, children are logging on to commercial
services, private bulletin boards, and the internet. As a parent you need
to understand the nature of these systems.
- Online services are maintained by
commercial, self-regulated businesses that may screen or provide
editorial/user controls, when possible, of the material contained on
their systems.
- Computer Bulletin Boards, called BBS
systems, can be operated by individuals, businesses, or organizations.
The material presented is usually theme oriented offering information on
hobbies and interest. While there are BBS systems that feature "adult"
oriented material, most attempt to limit minors from accessing the
information contained in those systems.
- The Internet, a global "network of
networks," is NOT governed by any entity. This leaves no limits or
checks on the kind of information that is maintained by accessible to
internet users.
The Benefits of the
Information Highway
The vast array of services that you
currently find online is constantly growing. Reference information such as
news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias, and
airline fares are readily available online. Users can conduct transactions
such as trading stocks, making travel reservations, banking, and shopping
online. Millions of people communicate through electronic mail (E-mail)
with family and friends around the world and others use the public message
boards to make new friends who share common interests. As an educational
and entertainment tool, users can learn about virtually any topic, take a
college course , or play an endless number of computer games with other
users or against the computer itself. User computing is enhanced by
accessing online thousands of shareware and free public domain software
titles.
Most people who use online services have
mainly positive experiences. But, like any endeavor--traveling, cooking,
or attending school--there are some risks. The online world, like the rest
of society, is made up of a wide array of people. Most are decent and
respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting or even mean and
exploitative.
Children and teenagers get a lot of benefit
from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation
in this as in any other environment.
Guidelines for Parents
By taking responsibility for your
children's online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential
risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:
- Never give out identifying
information--home address, school name , or telephone number--in a
public message such as chat or bulletin boards, and be sure you're
dealing with someone you know and trust before giving it out via e-mail.
Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age,
marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or
not listing your child's name if your service allows it.
- Get to know the services your child
uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your child to how you. Find
out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for
parents to block out objectionable material.
- Never allow a child to arrange a face to
face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If
a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure
to accompany your child.
- Never respond to messages or bulletin
board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or
make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they
encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is
harassing, of sexual nature, or threatening , forward a copy of the
message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.
Should you become aware of the
transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online,
immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children by calling 1-800-843-5678. You should also notify your online
service and local police.
- Remember that people online may not be
who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be
easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Thus, someone
indicating that "she" is a "12 year old girl" could in reality be a 40
year old man.
- Remember that everything you read online
may not be true. Any offer that's "too good to be true" probably is. Be
careful about offers that involve coming to a meeting or having someone
visit your house.
- Set reasonable rules and guidelines for
computer use by your children. Discuss these rules and post them near
the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor their compliance with
these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your
children spend on the computer. A child or teenager's excessive use of
online services or bulletin boards, especially late at night, may be a
clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers
and online services should not be used as electronic baby-sitters.
Be sure to make this a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in
a family room rather than the child's bedroom. Get to know their "online
friends" just as you get to know all of their other friends.
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