September 1, 2010
The internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. It can be a valuable tool in the home, at work, at school and for entertainment. Yet like all good things it can be abused and are those in our society who would use it to take advantage of others. Whether it be financial crimes or sex crimes there are real risks. Our children are most vulnerable because of their trusting nature and lack of life experience. As parents we can help them safely use the internet by talking with them about the potential dangers and establishing clear, simple ground rules for the on-line activity that will provide them a measure of protection against these risks. There are many internet sites that provide safety literature that you as a parent may find helpful. Below are safety tips from the www.netsmartz.org website that you may find helpful:
- clear, simple, easy-to-read house rules should be posted on or near the monitor. Create your own computer rules or print the Internet safety pledge. The pledge can be signed by adults and children and should be periodically reviewed.
- web sites for children are not permitted to request personal information without a parent's permission. Talk to children about what personal information is and why you should never give it to people online.
- if children use chat or e-mail, talk to them about never meeting in person with anyone they first "met" online.
- talk to children about not responding to offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat, or other communications. Report any such communication to local law enforcement. Do not delete the offensive or dangerous e-mail; turn off the monitor, and contact local law enforcement.
- keep the computer in the family room or another open area of your home.
- let children show you what they can do online, and visit their favorite sites.
- know who children are exchanging e-mail with, and only let them use chat areas when you can supervise. NetSmartz recommends limiting chat room access to child-friendly chat sites.
- be aware of any other computers your child may be using.
- Internet accounts should be in the parent's name with parents having the primary screen name, controlling passwords, and using blocking and/or filtering devices.
- children should not complete a profile for a service provider and children's screen names should be nondescript so as not to identify that the user is a child.
- talk to children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Show them how to turn off the monitor and emphasize that it's not their fault if they see something upsetting. Remind children to tell a trusted adult if they see something that bothers them online.
- if you suspect online "stalking" or sexual exploitation of a child, report it to your local law-enforcement agency. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has a system for identifying online predators and child pornographers and contributing to law-enforcement investigations. It's called the CyberTipline®. Leads forwarded to the site will be acknowledged and shared with the appropriate law-enforcement agency for investigation.
Parents you will be the most effective protector of your child from on-line threats. Take the time to educate your child on proper internet use and monitor their activity. Helping them to become responsible internet users is now part of helping them to grow into responsible adults in our technologically driven culture. There are many resources available, if we at the Powell Police can be of assistance contact us, we are here to serve…
T. L. Feathers
Chief of Police
Powell Police
250 N. Clark St.
Powell, WY 82435
307-754-2212
307-754-2214 (FAX)
tfeathers@cityofpowell.com
