Internet:
According to Internet World Stat the Internet has over 1.1 billion users with over 233 million in the US.  Our children have to access the Internet to compete and to socialize.

Predators:
Willie Sutton robbed banks because that was  where the money was.  Predators prowl the Social Websites and IM  because that is where children are.




Precautions:
Children who understand the risks will be careful when away from home. 


Safer Surfing...
Although Nothing Can Guarantee Safe Surfing,  We Recommend The Following To Reduce The Risks -

  • Greatest Areas of Concern

    • Any Site Which Requires a "Profiles" Can be a Source of Danger.  Personal Information Allows Predators to Target Victims.  Be as anonymous as possible.

    • Free Download Sites - If They Don't Charge for Downloads, What is their Business Model?   Often They Implant Spyware and Viruses Which Can Compromise Computers and Make Computers Run Slow. 

    • Instant Messaging (IM) Can Allow Strangers to Contact Children.  IM profiles allow predators to target victims.

    •

  • Parental Involvement  -

    • Let The Child Know What Is Acceptable and What is Unacceptable.  Children with an understanding of acceptable behavior will carry that knowledge whenever they access the Internet.

    • Google your child's name - Google their Friend's name

    • Check MySpace and Other Social Websites for your Child's Postings

    • Get Familiar with the Internet - Especially Acronyms and Text Messaging Shorthand

  • Secure Computer

    • Always turn on the software firewall that comes with the operating system (XP, Vista).

    • Install a Router - Routers have built in Firewalls which stop intruders before they can get to your desktop.

    • Place Computer in Common Area.

  • Protect

    • Antivirus -

      • Install and maintain a good Antivirus Program -

      • Turn On Real Time Virus Protection

      • http://free.grisoft.com has a good - non-commercial Antivirus.

    • Passwords - Use "Strong Password" of 7 - 12 Characters using a combination of UPPER CASE, lower case, Numbers (0-9) and Special Characters (!@#$%^&)

  • Clean Your Computer

    • Remove Spyware (programs which track computer activities) by Downloading and Running Cleanup!, - Read and follow instructions.

Helpful Links

Safe Teen Surfing
Safe Kids Surfing
Net Acronyms and Text Messaging Shorthand
Net Smartz