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Keeping kids safe online

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The Home Office's Child Protection on the Internet campaign provides advice for parents whose kids surf the Net

We all know that the Internet is a great resource for our kids' education as well as for fun. Unlike when we were young, it's very much part of their normal, everyday life. In fact, our kids probably know more than we do when it comes to using the Internet.

However, we shouldn't use this as an excuse not to take an interest and keep an eye on what they are up to online; we need to ensure they're as safe as possible whilst using the Internet.

One of the key things is to communicate with your children and encourage them to be open and honest with you - that way they are more likely to tell you if they have had an experience that has made them uncomfortable and to ask your advice if there is anything they are unsure of.

Don't be fooled
The most important message is that they should never give out their personal details (name, telephone number, email address etc) online, and if they ever want to meet up with an online friend make sure you go with them; paedophiles are very clever at pretending to be kids, and can easily fool children and adults. Remind your children that everyone they meet online is a stranger, even if they might seem like a friend.

Also remember that your PC at home is not the only place where your child may access the Internet; they will use it at school, at friends' houses, and also possibly from their mobile phone.

Here are a few points that should help you when talking to your child about these issues:

1. Talk to your child about their Internet use and take an interest. Your involvement is the best way of keeping them safe.
2. Be positive! The Internet is a fantastic resource for learning, entertainment and communication. Just like in the real world, however, you need to take a few sensible precautions.
3. Let your child know they can come to you if something they don't like happens online.
4. Try not to overreact! This could simply make your child secretive about their Internet use and close down lines of communication between you.
5. Remember that all the safety advice here also applies to going online with a mobile phone.
6. If you decide to use software to filter or monitor information from the Internet, talk this over with your child. Any ground rules you agree will be much more effective.

iVillage is happy to support the Home Office's Child Protection on the Internet campaign. For more information on keeping your child safe on the Internet, go to www.thinkuknow.co.uk It has links to useful sites and loads of useful information, including a downloadable leaflet from the Home Office giving easy and practical advice.

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