How Safe Are Our ChildrenOn the Internet

By

Stephen Wright

What Are the Dangers

• Pornography• Predators• Cyber Bullying• Viruses• Social Networking

Pornography

• 60% of all websites are pornographic• 1 in 4 children who use the Internet

regularly, will be exposed to unwanted sexual material

Predators• Pedophiles represent the most dangerous

aspect of the Internet• one in five children age 10-17 who regularly

use the Internet have received a sexual solicitation

• Chat rooms and instant messages are two main tools pedophiles use to contact children

Cyber Bullying

• Cyber bullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person.

• One in three teens have been the victims of cyber bullying

• Severe cyber bullying can leave victims at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.

Viruses

• Malicious programs include worms, macros, phishing, spam, and rootkits.• These programs are designed to

disrupt your computer, steel information and identities.• Viruses can give hackers unwanted

assess to you computer.

Social Networking

• Parents my feel a false sence of security when they see who their kids are friending on line.

• But that– Doesn't reveal key details about your child's

friends– Forces you to wade through hours of teenaged

gossip– May actually embarrass your child, even if you're

well intentioned!

Strategies for Safe Internet Use

• Many internet providers offer child safe sites that will– Find out where your child has online accounts– Know who your child is "friends" with online– Get notified if your child posts about violence,

suicide or drugs– See photos posted by or tagged with your child

Strategies for Safe Internet Use

• Be aware of what your children are doing online

• Look for changes in moods such as depression• Keep firewalls in place and have good anti

virus software. • Don’t be afraid to limit access• Keep informed on internet issues.

References

• Clear Traffic http://www.cleartraffic.com/keeping-kids-safe.htm

• Kid Health http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/cyberbullying.html#

• COMPUTER VIRUSES by Markus Hanhisalo http://www.tml.tkk.fi/Opinnot/Tik-110.501/1997/viruses.html