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Kenilworth Police Department
Internet Safety For Kids
The Internet has opened up a virtual world of information for anyone
with a computer and an on-line connection. Children not only learn about computers, but
are able to access more information from more sources more quickly than from any other
medium. However, children need to learn the rules of the road, and learn how to protect
themselves from the pedophiles, abusers, and con artists that may be lurking behind their
screen. With a little bit of planning and appropriate adult supervision, children can
explore and learn while minimizing, or eliminating the dangers of being abused or
exploited.
 | Just like in a park or public place, a child's best defense is a sound value system and
a plan. Teach your children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, and
violence. Teach them what to do when someting they see is troubling or bothersome to them.
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| Set aside time to explore the Internet together. That way, you can set the examples of
how suspicious messages or people are appropriately handled, and you may be better
informed yourself. |
| Monitor your children when they are on line. If your child becomes uneasy or defensive
when you enter the room, it might mean that they are involved in something unusual or
forbidden. |
| Choose an Internet Provider that has parental control features, and learn how to use
them. Or, you may purchase commercial blocking software to screen out sites by content and
key words you find objectionable. Such blocking is very effective, and is already done by
local libraries and schools. |
| Tell children NEVER to give out personal information, such as address,
telephone number, or their parent's name. They should NEVER send pictures
of themselves to anyone they don't know, or that YOU have not met in
person. |
| Assume NOTHING about anyone you or your child may meet on-line.
Pedophiles and con artists can easily assume the on-line identity, language and apparent
interests of a child of any age and sex in order to lure and entice them to respond as
they might to a real person. Unless you have met someone in person, what appears to be a
chatty 15-year- old girl might actually be a 45-year-old male pedophile. |
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