June Designated National Internet Safety Month

The United States Senate passed a resolution to make the entire month of June "National Internet Safety Month."

This resolution comes after social networking websites such as MySpace have been used by sexual predators to connect with minors. Unfortunately, young girls have already been victims of sexual abuse by pedophiles lurking online.

While online computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for young people, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they explore the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of online services and the Internet.

The National Coalition has created the following tips for parents as they protect their children online.

1. Develop a trusting relationship with your child.
2. Keep the door of communication open.
3. If you have reason to suspect your child is viewing inappropriate sites, do not overact. Approach your son or daughter with respect.
4. Add to online profiles that you monitor your child's use of the Internet.
5. Know your children's online friends.
6. Use a pre–filtered Internet Service Provider (ISP). Visit www.FilterReview.com for help.
7. Check media storage devices such as CDs, zip disks and memory sticks.
8. Check history files often.
9. Spend time with your child as they surf the Internet.
10. Ask your child to show you what IM (instant messaging) looks like.
11. Have your child teach you about their favorite online destinations.
12. Get to know and use the Parental Controls provided by your Internet Service Provider and/or blocking software.
13. Always maintain access to your child's online account and frequently check his/her account.
14. Teach your child about responsible use of the resources on the Internet.
15. Find out what safeguards are used at your child's school, the public library and at the homes of your child's friends. These are all places outside your supervision where a child can encounter an online predator.
16. Instruct your child NEVER to arrange face–to–face meetings with someone they met online and not to respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent or harassing.
17. Tell your child to NEVER give out identifying information such as name, address, school name or telephone number to people they don't know.
18. Direct your child to NEVER post pictures of themselves or their friends on the Internet. Let them know this has seriously harmed other children.
19. Teach your child to come and get you when they access something on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable, no matter what it is.
20. Teach your child that the Internet is a good source for educational, recreational and creative searches, but has intentional landmines placed that could hurt them.

For more information on Internet safety solutions, visit the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families' website (www.FilterReview.com).