Our children are often more computer savvy than we are but alsomore naive about online threats, including predators and scams. It'shard enough knowing where they are in the real world at all times,but it may be even harder knowing where they are in the virtualworld. The younger they are, the bigger the challenge.
The Better Business Bureau's Children's Advertising Review Unitpromotes responsible children's advertising by evaluating child-directed advertising and promotional material in all media,including the Internet.
According to Wayne Keeley, CARU's director, "The best way to keepyour kids safe online is to keep the lines of communication open.Talk to them about the possible dangers, and let them know that theycan always come to you if they feel confused, threatened or bulliedonline."
Sit down with your children and let them know that they shouldstop and come talk to you whenever they find themselves in one (ormore) of these seven situations online:
They visit a website that asks for financial information such asbank, credit or debit card numbers. Some websites may try to get atyour wallet through your kids. Let your kids know that it is neveracceptable to give out your bank, credit or debit card numbers toanyone.
They visit a website that asks for personal information such astheir home address, first and last name, e-mail address, phone orSocial Security number. Your kids may not realize that informationsuch as their full name, address, phone number or even their e-mailaddress or Social Security number can be very valuable to companiesthat want to market products to them, and also to identity thievesor predators online.
A person they don't know sends them inappropriate pictures orinappropriate language, or wants to actually meet up. Talk to yourkids about what would constitute inappropriate photos andconversations online, as well as the immense dangers of meeting upwith or talking to strangers.
They want to post a picture of themselves online. Postingpictures online can seem harmless, but can often provide importantclues to predators. Approve any photos before your kid posts themonline until you feel they are old enough to make the right call.
They're being harassed or bullied through a social networkingsite, e-mails or instant messages. Online bullying isn't just aharmless prank, and your kids need to know that it's important theytell you before it goes too far.
They get a friend request on a social networking site fromsomeone they don't know. Friending someone online that they don'tknow in real life is opening the door to many possible threats, suchas hackers and predators.
They want to sign up for a "free" service online or get "free"ringtones or daily joke text messages. "Free" rarely comes without aprice online, and supposedly free services can result in repeatedcharges to your credit card or phone bill.
You can visit caru.org to get more information about protectingyour children online or to report websites that request personallyidentifiable information from children under the age of 13.
Randy Hutchinson is the president and CEO of the Better BusinessBureau of the Mid-South. Contact him at rhutchinson@bbbmidsouth.org.
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