Internet Safety for Kids

This Squidoo lens was written by Aldric Chang (Follow Me on Twitter!) - best described as a creative entrepreneur with business interests in internet marketing, virtual worlds, animation, cartoons, interactive digital media, web 2.0 and music.

His 3d animation studio - Mediafreaks - is focused on producing high-end animation work for documentary producers, advertising houses and cartoon animated series - with projects ranging from the animation of dinosaurs to the visualization of natural disasters and something as chic as 3d jewelry animations. He runs a popular animation blog where he frequently posts informative articles on the animation industry and shares useful advice on the business of animation.

He is currently working on a series of free online adventure games for kids besides other creative endeavors and shares tip on how to make money online at AldricChang.com.

The internet currently presents very interesting questions and challenges for parents.

If there were an instruction manual on how to be a parent, the section on technology and internet safety for kids would be worthy of several chapters for certain. Online activities add yet another dimension to the job of raising our children, as if worrying about them in the "real world" weren't enough already.

The need for complete information and advice on this subject cannot be overstated.

This 34 page comprehensive guidebook, "Raising Kids On The Internet", is presented to parents of all backgrounds or experience, whether they are just getting familiar with the internet yourself, or they are a long-time internet surfer. Even experienced internet users have been found to be unfamiliar with many of the facts and issues regarding effective monitoring of children in online activities.

All you have to do is to go here to get your free copy of "Raising Kids On The Internet".

One can go on the 'internet', the 'web', the 'net', or 'online'. Whatever the preferred terminology, this endless network of computers now connects the majority of people in developed nations. They go online to exchange email and instant messages, participate in chat groups or forums, post and read messages in social networking sites or blogs, and generally "surf" the worldwide web seeking all forms of information or entertainment. Children are no exception and, in fact, may be even more likely to be online than adults.
 
The proliferation of sites aimed at youth is growing at an astonishing rate, as the lure of the internet is too much for kids to resist - with some sites aimed at entertainment and some designed for education. In addition to homes, nearly every school now has computers with internet access, encouraging kids to go online as a learning tool. The statistic now stands at 90% of U.S. children between ages 5 and 17 using computers,with one computer every four students in schools. The internet has truly become predominant in our lives and is unavoidable as a medium for daily activity.
 
To make it even more of a constant connection, personal computers are not the only method used for internet access. When it comes to accessibility for kids, personal computers are available at home, school, friends' homes, the library, or the local cafe. Mobile or handheld devices such as cell phones enable children access regardless of adult supervision. Even game consoles have implemented online interaction such as chatting.
 
A Nielsen Online study found that younger children are going online at a faster rate than any other group. The study notes that children aged 2 to 11 make up nearly 10% of all online activity, which equates to almost 16 million young internet users. With boys and girls equally involved, this age group now averages 11 hours per month online.
 
With this in mind, it is clear that parents should be alert to their responsibility in guarding and guiding their children, just as they would in all areas of their lives. Sensible controls on amount of time spent, as well as type of content accessed, applies to the computer as much it might to the television - not to mention balancing this with real world activities. Parents play an important role in reducing risks and determining healthy lifestyle rules.

The unfortunate truth is that there are no official censors for the internet. Content is being published on the internet by organizations and individuals large or small, and they essentially are free to publish whatever they want. An internet service provider can help you access these sites but, of course, can't control what's on them. It ultimately is up to individuals to keep it appropriate and safe.While the idea of always accompanying your child when they're online might be ideal, this may not be realistic for everyone. Let's look over some of the facts, statistics, and events that you should be aware of, in order to make the best determination for yourself.

We live in an interactive world where kids routinely socialize, post videos and photographs, and share everyday experiences with their friends, perhaps an extended network of their friends and, in some cases - strangers. It's an ongoing daily activity for millions of kids, and most of them seem to be doing fine with it. This, however, does not mean that this zone is free of danger.

Most parents are not aware of the exact risks involved. Children can be tempted into a variety of uncomfortable or dangerous situations when surfing the web, and kids lack the knowledge to understand that there are undesirable people out there who are cleverly covering their ill intentions. There have been several widely publicized cases about kids meeting others online that led to abduction or harm.

On top of dangers presented by other people - violent or sexually related content in computer games, videos, and the internet can have negative effects on young children as well.Here are the categories to be alert to, along with relevant advisory.

The internet is full of material that may be sexual, violent, or hateful in nature - or may encourage dangerous or illegal behavior. In most cases, the material is not sought out, but is come upon accidentally by children through searches, social networking sites, email, chat areas, or instant messaging.Of particular concern, pornographic material is abundant across the net. Over thirty-four percent of youth report instances of unwanted exposure to pornography. According to survey, the source or timing of these incidents occurred:

- while surfing around the web
- when doing online searches
- from a pop-up ad
- by accidentally landing on a website
- through junk mail
- in the form of an email or instant message
- while clicking on links within sites
- from misspelled web addresses

Unfortunately, the society in which our youth are being raised is teeming with sexuality everywhere one turns, and this has carried over to an extreme online. Children are exposed to this content at a very early age in the form of various media or industries including fashion, TV, movies, music, and now the internet.

The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Exploitation has noted a connection between commercial sexual exploitation and youth risk or abuse. They explain that the recent pattern of kids posting sexually provocative photos, known as "sexting," is behaviorally consistent with what kids see all around them. Overcoming this cultural issue is a definite challenge, and should be taken into consideration in the grand scheme of the internet. Technology, in itself, neither causes nor prevents danger for kids.

As your child becomes more independent, it is important to stay "hands-on" and help guide them toward appropriate content online. Ensure your kids are aware that certain pornographic material is illegal, and don't be afraid to ask direct questions about whether they have seen inappropriate pictures, if anyone has talked "dirty" to them, or if anyone - especially strangers - has asked for personal information or requested to meet them.

Open dialogue is always the best policy, as otherwise kids may tend to hide information out of discomfort or embarrassment.

The term "cyber-bullying" is now widely used to describe the use of technology to harass or degrade others. Web-based devices have made it easy to widely tease or embarrass another within the network. Mostly used by young people against other youth, no child can escape this potential misuse of the net.

Bullying often entails repeated unwanted aggressive behavior, with the victim being overwhelmed in some fashion by the bully. The ability to overwhelm can be attained by being able to reach a large audience quickly, often with a hidden identity.

Examples include sending embarrassing pictures, name-calling, spreading rumors, or unduly sharing secrets or personal information. Over 40% of teens reported 1-3 online bullying incidents in the past year. It is notable that those who had experienced online bullying largely complained of being bullied at school as well.

If you notice any inexplicable negative reactions from your child, such as being reluctant to use a cell phone or go onto the internet, it is worth inquiring into the possibility of cyber-bullying. Closing the browser when a parent enters the room could be a sign of harassment, among other issues. If bullying is discovered, it is a matter of taking it up with school officials or other involved parents, as in any such conflict. Suggesting or implementing educational programs that stress internet ethics and citizenship could also help curtail the problem.

Be sure to let your kids know not to respond or retaliate, but to talk with a trusted adult while saving the evidence. Also encourage kids to be a friend, instead of a bystander, if they become aware of such activities affecting their group. Hesitate to take away a child's online privileges upon hearing of a situation, as this is often a reason why kids won't bring up net-related problems. Do treat any situation with due importance, as cyber%u2011bullying can be emotionally devastating for some kids.

How easy it is now for a potential pedophile or abductor to contact and manipulate kids. They simply log on to a social network or chat room and begin fishing for victims. Knowingly or not, kids are all too willing to share personal information or cooperate in arranging an encounter with someone who simply knows how to push the right emotional buttons. Email or instant messaging can also be used to gain confidence. As this is one of the greatest concerns to parents - the more you know about this topic, the lesser the risk.

According to the Internet Safety Technical Task Force, a child's psycho-social makeup and family environment are better predictors of risk than the technology he or she uses. The kids most at risk offline are those at risk online.

Furthermore, the Crimes Against Children Research Center reports two items of interest; sexual exploitation as a result of internet activity is statistically rare; and secondly, the offenders in the vast majority of child sexual abuse cases are not strangers to their victims. While important to know in addressing parents concerns, even the slightest chance that a stranger could take advantage of one's child is unsettling.

Though all ages are affected, children aged 9-11 are the most likely victims of abuse, while the potential is generally high up through age 15. This calls for an important sit-down with your child to directly discuss the fact that not everyone they meet online is well-meaning, and to teach them to immediately discontinue any online activity when they feel scared or uncomfortable - by means of logging off and telling a trusted adult right away.

Let them know that some people will disguise themselves or pretend to be someone else, such as an adult saying they are a kid. While this may seem "funny" or not harmful to them, explain that some children have gotten coaxed into dangerous situations by such predators, so don't be fooled.

One case of abuse is too much. If you discover or suspect such activity, report it to local authorities as well as www.cybertipline.com.

Many families store an immense amount of sensitive or personal information on their home computers. Furthermore, unscrupulous companies and marketing agencies have dramatically increased the practice of automatically collecting detailed personal or internet usage information from children for commercial purposes.

Kids are unaware of the tricks and methods used by remote hackers to extract information for crimes such as identity theft or, reversely, to plant a virus in order to destroy your computer.

Children are also prime targets for advertisers or programmers. Ensure your kid knows the difference between entertainment and advertising by reviewing examples of each. Help them evaluate different types of content in terms of credible sources or not.

As a parent, you have the right to protect your child's privacy from anyone, including a company that is trying to sell them something. In the mid-90's, the Federal Trade Commission found that 89% of children's sites collected personal information directly from children, and only 54% sites disclosed their information collection practices. 

Furthermore, less than 10% of the sites directed to children provided for some form of parental control over the collection of information from their kids. This is something to bear in mind when your children visit a site. Ensure there is a privacy policy and read it before engaging with the company.

In 1998, the U.S. Congress passed the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA covers web sites that are developed specifically for children, but it also covers any online service that knows that it collects information from children.

COPPA requires that web sites and online services directed to children under the age of 13 must comply with certain rules such as: post a clearly written privacy policy; explain how the web site operator uses the personal information; obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information about a child; and provide parents with the ability to review, correct, and delete information about their children that is collected by such services - among other rules.

The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for implementation of this law.The FTC recommends the following guidelines for general internet use:

Don't give out your account password to anyone, even someone claiming to be from your online service. Your account can be hacked, and you may find unexpected charges on your bill.

People aren't always who they seem in cyberspace. Be particularly careful about giving your credit card number. The same applies to a Social Security number, home address or phone number.

Be aware when entering a chat room, others can email you directly once you start chatting. To remain anonymous, you might want to use a nickname for your screen name.

Email is mostly private, but not completely. Don't put anything in an electronic message that you wouldn't want to see on a neighborhood bulletin board.

Check your online service for methods of reducing unsolicited commercial email. Learn to recognize junk email, and delete it immediately. Don't read it, if at all suspicious. Don't download an email attachment from unknown sources. Opening files may expose your system to viruses.
Fraud can occur online. If an offer seems too hard to believe, just don't believe it.

Credit rights and consumer protection laws do apply to internet transactions. If you encounter a problem, tell an appropriate law enforcement agency.

Teach children to check with you before giving personal or family information, and to habitually look for privacy policies when entering a web site that asks for information about them. Many kids' sites now insist on a parent's approval before they gather information from a child. Still, some will openly admit to using the information any way they wish.

There has been a disturbing trend of childhood internet activity creating serious havoc for the family. This includes online posts or blogs getting parents into a variety of trouble in regards to their career or even the law.

Perhaps not aware how widespread their posted information goes, kids talking about their familial concerns has led to the firing or even the arrest of parents, in addition to trouble with school officials.A parent must pay attention to content given out by kids online.

An obvious example is publishing credit card or financial information, which has left a multitude of individuals in financial ruin not easily repaired. For that matter, it only takes the acquisition of a password to enable a child access to your internet stock portfolio or bank accounts.

Accidental or intentional, it is certainly something to keep an eye on.This category of risk also covers what is called "netiquette", meaning proper behavior in the online world, including avoiding conduct that is inconsiderate, rude, or mean - to anyone in the community, as well as family and friends. Lack of adequate education along this line could lead to untold conflict.

There are some newsgroups and sites that advocate or promote use of alcohol, drugs, and even weapons, bombs, or terror.

The internet has made it easy to disseminate such literature, without discrimination as to the age of those accessing it.In regard to online gambling, some sites allow you to gamble with real money and some just "for fun."

There is unresolved conflict and discussion over jurisdiction and legality of these sites, but none of that changes the fact that any minor could use a credit card to gamble at will.No comprehensive research has been done to estimate how information technology affects kids of various ages or the effects of their consumption of questionable data.

Common sense would indicate close supervision, especially among younger children.

However, implying that kids should stop suing the internet is similar to not allowing them to go to school because of the dangers of social interaction. A better approach might be to take on the role of instructor, in letting kids know of the benefits and dangers of "cyberspace", and increasing their "street smarts" when it comes to safeguarding themselves.

Regardless of what tactic a parent employs, the best filter of all is through the young person's mind rather than any enforced rules or a technical solution.Included here are summaries of two real life stories about youth who were victimized via the internet. Use these for personal reflection, as well as potential cautionary tales for your child if they have any doubts as to the importance of online safety.

"Jenny" was 13, from a divorced family, and was in the habit of frequenting unsavory chat rooms. There she met a man who, after several conversations admitted his age was 45. He proceeded to flatter her, and send her gifts and jewelry.They talked intimately, and he eventually ended up driving across several states a number of times to meet her for sexual encounters. When he was finally arrested, in her presence, she was reluctant to cooperate with the authorities.

The way this case was relayed by investigators is quite different from the impression many of us have about internet sex crimes against kids. The public may believe that it only happens by criminals tricking kids into giving personal information, or by disguising themselves as peers and hiding their sexual motives. Many presume it only occurs by stalking, abduction, or rape. Parents should know that that is not always the case.

In a review of sample law-enforcement cases, only 5% of online child victimization actually involved violence. A mere 3% involved abduction. In many, no deception was used. Just 5% of offenders concealed from their victims that they were adults, and 80% were very clear about their sexual intentions.

The conclusion is that these are not always violent crimes. They are seductions that take advantage of general childhood vulnerabilities. The criminals play on a child's desire for adventure, romance, understanding, and sexual curiosity. This is something that certainly predates the internet; making sure that young people - with lots of variables and stress in their lives - don't turn to strangers for understanding, escape, or sympathy, whether online or offline.

"Jenny" thought she was in love with the offender, which is the typical scenario for youth victimization online. The bottom line for parents - it isn't only about not giving out information or keeping one's profile private. A more direct message might be: Don't talk with strangers about intimate subjects online.

Another similar case occurred in England, when a 12 year-old girl vanished from her home to meet a 31 year-old man she had met online.Before disappearing, she was a typical schoolgirl living in an average suburban home. She spent hours surfing the net, which concerned her parents, but they were not overly worried. Despite knowing some of the risk, the parents did not want to appear "heavy-handed".

They mildly suggested that she spend less time online.Despite managing to slip away to France, the girl in this case was found and returned home safely. The apprehended offender had a history of preying on youth. The lesson for parents: Since we can't always cover our children's eyes, we have to teach them how to see on their own.