Technology Matters

Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents

Volume 5 / Issue 3 / Spring 2005

Most parents have instilled in their children safety rules for venturing into the world beyond their homes. Many, however, have not taken similar precautions in educating them about the world that enters their homes via the Internet. The Internet is an exciting, entertaining, and educational place, alluring to children and adults alike; like the real world, however, the virtual one has inappropriate and even dangerous places for children and teenagers to visit. A parent’s best defense is to become educated, set reasonable ground rules, and stay alert.

Web surfers can tour museums, shop, read novels, do library research, pursue hobbies, travel to distant lands—the possibilities are almost limitless. But many Web sites contain pornography, racism, sexism, hate speech, violence, downloadable school papers, and inaccurate information. Wandering into inappropriate or offensive Web sites is not uncommon, but returning to them can be damaging, especially if children begin to adopt attitudes inconsistent with your family’s values.

A parent's best defense is to become educated, set reasonable ground rules, and stay alert.

Some Web sites ask for personal information in exchange for entering the viewer in a “contest” or by other subtle or deceitful means. But posting a home address, phone number, or photograph can lead to unwanted solicitation, harassment, or exploitation. Users who download from Web sites or allow sites to plug in programs may also be susceptible to unwanted advertising, invasion of privacy, tracking of online activities, theft, viruses, and hacking.

Communication via the Internet is popular, especially among teens. Chatrooms and instant messaging allow for real-time discussions about any number of topics or issues. According to technology columnist and broadcaster Lawrence J. Magid, chatrooms are the most dangerous areas on the Internet. While some chatroom acquaintances are perfectly safe, others are there to exploit. Because there is no way to tell if a chatroom user really is who he or she claims to be, child molesters sometimes use chatrooms to target victims. Giving out personal information in a chatroom, including full names, or arranging to meet online acquaintances face-to-face can be unsafe.

E-mail, listservs, newsgroups, and bulletin boards allow for delayed-time communication. E-mail and messages from listservs stay posted in your mailbox until you decide to read and delete them. Sometimes e-mail users receive threatening or offensive messages from people they do not know. Return addresses and subject headers are sometimes misleading, so deleting messages from unfamiliar sources before opening them is a safe way to protect your children, as well as to avoid viruses.

Newsgroups and bulletin boards, which keep messages posted for other members to read whenever they choose, can be informative and engaging, but they can also provide opportunities for intrusion and exploitation. Posting to a listserv, newsgroup, or bulletin board also broadcasts e-mail addresses and can lead to unwanted e-mail messages.

Certain software programs and most Internet providers have filtering options that block access to inappropriate Web sites or prevent e-mail addresses from receiving attachments. Although these applications can be helpful, they may filter out useful, perfectly appropriate information. For example, a block on any site containing the word naked would block out live satellite pictures allowing children to view Mars with the “naked” eye. Filtering programs cannot protect children from all dangers, and in any case, Magid says, they’re “not a substitute for good judgment and critical thinking.”

To make Internet use fun, informative, and safe for your family, do the following:

• Learn all you can about the Internet.
• Bookmark appropriate informational and entertainment sites.
• Install software that records Internet use, and review the Web sites your children have visited.
• Place your children’s computer in a high-traffic area.
• Encourage your children to tell you if they receive offensive messages or see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.

It’s important to establish an atmosphere of openness and trust. Even though the Internet can bring dangers into your home, it offers many opportunities for adventure and learning.
—Sarah Boone, MA

Sarah Boone holds a master’s degree in teaching and is certified in gifted education. She teaches at Meredith College.