Security Health Plan Cares (Summer 2007)
Teens and the Internet:
Tips to keep them safe
The Internet is a wonderful way to explore the world, learn new things, meet new friends, play games and have fun. But it also presents some risks. Teens, as well as their parents, need to be aware of these risks.
Maybe you already supervise your teen's use of the Internet, or maybe you don't even have a computer at home. But teens can go online almost anywhere these days. They surf the Internet and send messages from a home computer or one at a friend's home, library or school.
You can't watch your teen every minute. Consider setting rules about the time of day, length of time, people they may communicate with, and appropriate areas for them to visit while online. It's important to take steps to make surfing the Internet a safe and positive experience.
Surfing the net
What's good
Using the Internet is like having the world's largest library and entertainment system at your fingertips. Teens can read stories, tour museums, visit other countries, play games, look at photographs and do research to help with homework.
What's bad
Kids may come across Web sites containing adult images or racist, sexist or violent content. Some Web sites can also contain false information. It can be hard to know what good information is and what is not. Some teens believe because information is posted online it must be true.
Safety tips
- Choose search engines carefully. Some are designed just for kids, and others offer kid-safe options.
- Tell kids when they come across any material making them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused to immediately tell you or another trusted adult.
- Help kids find information online. By searching the Internet together you help them find good sources of information.
Using e-mail
What's good
E-mail is a fast and free way to communicate. You can send messages, documents and photos to others in a matter of seconds or minutes.
What's bad
Kids can set up accounts through free web-based, e-mail services without asking permission from parents or guardians. Anyone using e-mail can receive unwanted messages (known as spam), advertisements and links to Web sites that are not safe for kids.
Safety tips
- Talk with your kids about their e-mail accounts and discuss the risks.
- Teach kids not to open spam or e-mails from people they don't know. Ask them to show you any messages they receive that make them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
Social networking
What's good
Social networking sites allow kids to express themselves and keep in touch with friends by exchanging messages or comments. Users can post personal profiles describing who they are and their interests, online diaries, photos, creative writing, artwork, videos and music. Instant Messaging (IM) and sharing online profiles are popular forms of social networking.
What's bad
Profiles posted by teens can be viewed by anyone. Many adults create fake profiles and pretend to be teenagers. They may also hang out in teen chat rooms. Such users are often looking to sexually exploit children or harm them in other ways.
Safety tips
- Ask your kids about the people they are communicating with online.
- Insist your kids never give out personal information or arrange to meet in person with someone they've met online without first checking with you.
- Kids should use webcams or post photos online only with your knowledge and supervision.
More information
Have questions about how to keep kids safer on the Internet? The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has many more tips at www.netsmartz411.org.
