Cyber Safety

According to FTC Commissioner Mozelle Thompson, there are Internet sites that inquire about a child's age, address, hobbies, and even gather information about your spending habits. In certain cases, children are even asked to submit photos, which can enable someone to contact the child off-line.

There is a wealth of information available on the Internet, and a lot of great sites for your children to visit. Just as you would not send your children out to play on the highway, you should not send them out on the "information superhighway" without your guidance.

You should talk to your children about Internet safety. They might not realize that it is unsafe to put their personal information onto the Web unless you explain it to them. Since a lot of sites use cool graphics to sell products, help your child distinguish between advertisements and entertainment.

Monitor your child's trip onto the "information superhighway." Explain that once he has logged on to the Internet, he is no longer alone. There are people skilled in finding out who you are and where you are located. Also, explain to him that he should never respond to any messages that have words that scare him or seem weird to him.

The best tool a child has for screening material is his brain. Teach children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, excessive violence, and other issues that may concern you, so he knows how to respond when he sees this material.

Consider purchasing blocking software, or choose a commercial online service that offers parental control features. These parental control features can block content that is not clearly marked as appropriate for children.

Beware of Internet fraud. Con artists can use the Internet to exploit new victims, and in some cases they are barely detectible.

Only shop online with companies that you know and trust. If you are unsure about a particular company, ask for a print catalog before ordering electronically.

Use a secure browser that will encrypt or scramble purchase information. If you do not have these capabilities, consider calling the company's 800 number, faxing your order, or paying with a check.

Never give out your Internet password. Change your password often, and be inventive.

Never give out your bank account number, social security number, or any other personal information that is not absolutely necessary to complete a transaction.

Beware of:

• Pyramid schemes
• Internet-related services that are not delivered
• Business opportunities that seem to good to be true
• Work at home schemes, especially those that require a start-up fee.
• Sweepstakes, and other Internet contests. Before you or your child fills out any entry forms, mailing lists, or responds to personal questions, find out how the information will be used, and if it will be passed on to other companies.

Your best defense in the fight for Internet safety is your own common sense. If a situation seems at all unsafe, leave the site immediately, and teach your child to do the same. Explore the Internet with your child, and visit areas that interest both of you.