Internet Safety

“Even the kids who know the rules and who are careful can sometimes be placed in a vulnerable position,” says Magid. “Take this scenario: a friend posted a message to her friend saying: ‘Let’s meet at the KFC at 4 p.m.’ This appeared on her profile, so without her knowledge, a teen’s presence was posted online for a potential predator. That predator now knows what she looks like, and where she’ll be.”

As frightening as that scenario seems, teens can control this sort of mishap. By checking their profile daily, they can erase any messages that are posted in a public manner. And, they can also encourage all friends to post messages that only their accepted friends’ eyes can see. And of course, the best advice is to ask friends not to post anything about their whereabouts or their plans.

Here are some basic steps Magid has outlined to help you better protect your children from online predators:

• Never give out identifying information—home address, school name, or telephone number—in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards
• Be sure you’re dealing with someone that both you and your child know and trust before giving it personal information via email
• Get to know the services your child uses. If you don’t know how to log on, get your child to show 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 a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.