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Every time your kids use the internet, for fun or for homework, they expose themselves to danger. For example, there are an estimated 40,000 sexual predators using the internet at any one time, often lurking in social networking sites and posing as other kids.
But online predators are not the only dangers. Unwary kids can fall victim to online scams like identity theft, or download computer viruses, Trojans, and other Malware on to your home computer.
And they can also become victims of online bullying and harassment, a growing problem amongst teens.
The more you know about the online dangers your kids can be exposed to, the better able you’ll be to protect them.
Do You Know Your Cyber Safety Score?
Take our interactive quiz to test your knowledge of the dangers kids face on the internet. And when you’re finished you’ll not only get your score, you’ll also be able to download a valuable guide to help you better protect your kids from all kinds of online dangers. Get your score now.
The Dangers Lurking In Social Networks
There are more than 200 different social networking sites on the internet, from the best known sites like MySpace and Facebook to hundreds of smaller and more specialized sites. Not only do these sites attract billions of users, increasingly they attract crooks and predators that may be targeting your kids. Learn more.
Protect Your Kids From Identity Theft
According to the FTC around 400,000 kids have their identities stolen every year, and because few kids actually use or check their credit reports or apply for credit, the crime may go undiscovered until it’s too late. Find out how to protect them.
Got A Question About Kids and Online Safety?
NetSmartz411 is the premier online resource for answering questions about Internet safety, computers, and the Web. Through their web site you can send your questions directly to their experts and have it answered quickly and professionally. Ask your question now.
Protecing Your Kids On Social Networks
The leading social networking sites like MySpace go to great lengths to protect their users from dangers and abuse. In fact, MySpace has created an entire section on its web site devoted to online safety and security.
It even has some great advice and tools to help parents understand social networking and the steps they need to take to make sure their kids understand the dangers.
Here are just some of the great tools they offer:
MySpace Safety Center main page
For Parents and Educators
Tips for Parents
Download the MySpace Guide for Parents and Teachers (PDF)
A Guide to MySpace for Parents with Teens
Online Safety Video
Protect your children online
Children present unique security risks when they use a computer — not only do you have to keep them safe, but you have to protect their data on your computer. By taking some simple steps, you can dramatically reduce the threats. From Stay Safe Online.
Teaching Your Kids To Avoid The Dangers
Communication is an effective tool for parents and guardians when helping their children avoid the dangers that exist on the Internet. NetSmartz provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to facilitate discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety. Visit "Parent FAQ" to learn more about how and why parents should use NetSmartz. From NetSmartz.
Don’t Believe The Type
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has some great advice and tools to help your kids stay safe on the web, in chat rooms, on social networking sites, and using email and messaging. Find out more.
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