Internet safety for children

From homework help, to online gaming, messaging and researching, there's no doubt our children can gain a lot from using the Internet. But do you know how to keep them safe when they're online? Here's how to do just that ...

The Internet has brought the world into our homes and is a veritable treasure trove of information for all the family to explore. But with it come a host of threats and dangers to our privacy and safety.

In this day and age, we must ensure our children's safety online. It's every parent's duty to take measures to protect them from potentially harmful content.

Here's how to help everyone stay safe online with our guide to Internet safety for the whole family ...

Internet safety and computer security for children

A good start is to learn a bit about the kind of things our children are interested in, help them locate suitable sites (which you can bookmark as favourites) before looking at additional software and browser functions to stop them stumbling across unsuitable sites. Another good tip is to encourage them to share information with us and talk about the sites they've visited from the very first time they use the web, this helps to create a sense of security, respect and openness that they can continue to apply as their use of the web increases.

Fortunately as the Internet grows, so do the governing bodies and protective powers that keep unsolicited, explicit and un-moderated sites in check - however, there is still a risk that your child might stumble upon something inappropriate so it's essential to help them, talk to them and encourage them to be responsible at all times.

Below we have outlined some of the potential problems that threaten internet safety for children.

Top 10 threats against Internet safety for children

1 Explicit websites

Even the most innocent word when entered into a search engine can throw up links to websites full of inappropriate images. Without parental controls, many of these websites can be accessed freely by your children.

2 Inappropriate instructional websites

A simple homework task could accidentally give your child access to one of many 'how-to' websites. While most of these are genuine, some are more sinister with details on how to construct bombs, conceal anorexia or how to make and take illegal drugs.

3 Chat room safety

The dangers of paedophiles posing as children in Internet chat rooms is well known - but children still put themselves at risk by giving out their personal details in online chat rooms for teenagers.

4 Cyberbullying

Online bullying is a relatively new issue. Through the use of email, chat-rooms and forums, bullies can attack their victims with vicious messages.

5 Phishing

This is when you receive an email that looks as if it's been sent by a genuine source, such as your bank or a well known website, but really they are 'phishing' for your password and account details, leaving you open to identity theft.

6 Malware

Otherwise known as malicious software, Malware often arrives via infected links and downloads. Among the nasties which can be unleashed are Trojan programs, which allow attackers unauthorised control over your computer.

7 Risk of committing a crime

While surfing the net, children may infringe copyright without even being aware of the fact. Downloading music and films are one of the most well known ways of breaking copyright but also copying photographs or essays to use as homework could be breaking terms and could leave your child facing prosecution.

To find out more about how to enjoy entertainment legally on the Internet, and for information how to protect your family from the safety and security risks of illegal file-sharing, you can download a free copy of Music, Film, TV and the Internet guide at www.childnet.com/downloading

8 Scams

Scams have always been around but it can be hard to tell if an email or offer on a website is genuine or not. Something that sounds fantastic could be just an opportunity for someone unscrupulous to send you fake or poor quality goods that you've paid for at top quality prices. The worst case scenario could mean that your credit card details are taken and your bank account is emptied.

9 Spam

More usually annoying rather than dangerous, unless you do decide to give your bank details to someone offering to deposit thousands in it. The main worry for parents is making sure children don't receive emails with an explicit content, this can usually be solved by adding blocks to your email account to limit the amount of spam received.

10 Poor wireless security

Leaving your wireless connection unsecured or using a public connection is the same as leaving your diary on the front door step for all to read. It is very easy for those with the know how to break into your system and help themselves to all the information you have on your computer, giving them access to your banking accounts and Internet history. Make sure you use a high level of security with an unrecognisable network name and unguessable password.

ISPs

ISPs (Internet Service Providers) vary in what they offer:

• Check that the one you have or are considering offers a good deal for families
• Consider filtering. Sites containing particular words or phrases may be blocked but this may also prevent access to some useful sites
• Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator allow you to choose the type of websites you want your children to see.

There has been a lot of talk of ISPs that are 'child-friendly' and screen what content they offer before it reaches your house. In reality, there aren't very many ISP's that offer this type of option. One that does is www.aol.co.uk. That's because they have their own content and parents can use a control panel to restrict what AOL pages kids can visit.

It allows parents to create passwords for each child and install parental controls depending on their age. So, for example, their 'Kids Only' security setting for ages 12 and under restricts kids to areas on AOL and the Internet that are targeted at them. They also have young and mature teen settings. Other child-friendly ISPs include www.surfonthesafeside.com which offer free access to Childcheck filtering software.

The internet safety charity ChildNet recommends teaching your kids to be SMART:

S for Secret: always keep personal details secret

M for Meeting: meeting someone you met on the Internet is NOT advisable but if you do, have a parent or carer present

A for Accepting: accepting emails from someone you don't know can cause trouble. They may contain viruses or nasty messages

R for Remember: someone online may be lying and may not be who they sat they are. Stick to public areas of chatrooms and if you feel uncomfortable - GET OUT

T for Tell: tell your parents or carer if anything is worrying you

Internet safety for children and Internet security

The Internet is a very positive place for children to explore, and parents are always shocked by the desire to learn that is inspired by use of a computer and the World Wide Web. Although you and your child should be aware of the dangers, it is important to make your child's Internet use a positive and open activity. Taking an interest in the places and people your child comes into contact with on the web prevents any sense of guilt or secrecy that paedophiles could exploit.

There are some basic security guidelines you should always follow to ensure your children's experience on the net is a safe one. Firstly, NEVER let your children give out any personal details (address, phone, email etc) or any photos or other information that could identify them. Never let your children open an email from someone they don't know and be very careful with online competitions - some unscrupulous organisations will pass your details to other people.

Surfing the net with kids

Sit with your children and offer assistance while they surf, and you could also agree a set time each day for them to use the net as this creates a relaxed routine. If you worry about them viewing unsuitable material, select a number of mutually agreed 'suitable' web sites, and put them in a favourites folder.

Here are some other tips on Internet safety to consider:

• Some browsers are designed to screen what results a child can get from a search, to make sure material such as pornography doesn't make it through. Also there are some excellent search engines for kids.
• Filtering programmes can also be quite effective, giving the parent control over what sites the children can see. For example www.cyberpatrol.com and www.netnanny.co.uk. These programs may also help you to screen the material you child receives via e-mail or in chat rooms.
• Always remember that no 'filter' software is 100% foolproof and not all advice you give will be listened to. You can't watch over them all the time - but a combination of these measures can make sure both you and your child get the best, not the worst, from the web. No software can ever replace a parent talking to a child.
• Good child friendly search engines exist as well. Among others are www.ajkids.com (the junior version of Ask Jeeves) and www.kids-search.com
• Browser hijackers are spyware programs that divert you to sites without asking you. They are sometimes called 'scumware'. They are particularly worrying as they can divert children from perfectly suitable sites to web pages with adult content. Most people install them without realising, when they download and install a piece of shareware. Most good virus software can also find and remove spyware from your PC. You could also consider a firewall. The firewall built in to the new version of Windows XP will tell you if any unknown access is attempted via the Internet and will allow you to accept or deny it.

Chat room safety

To be sure your children are protected when using online chat rooms for teenagers it's vitally important they abide by some ground rules:

• If your children want to chat, they should use public chat rooms and avoid private rooms where one to one chatting occurs. Good chat rooms have a moderator and some ground rules, all designed to protect.
• Avoid giving unnecessary information such as personal email when chatting – this will protect against unsolicited personal contact.
• Remember that your children should be in control – if they are unsure about anything they should leave the chat room.

Find out more about social networking sites and chat room safety here

Take action on cyberbullying

• Talk to someone you trust about it
• Save any bullying emails or images you receive
• Make a note of the time and date the messages/images were sent, along with any details you have about the sender
• Don't reply to threatening emails
• Try changing your username or email address
• Report serious bullying, like threats of a physical or sexual nature, to the police.

Cyberbullying

Online bullying is an unpleasant development which gives bullies a new and often anonymous way to threaten and abuse their victims. According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, one in five schoolchildren in the UK has been a victim of some form of online abuse. As social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace continue to grow in popularity it's vitally important that young users know what to do if they find themselves the victims of online intimidation.

Point your child to the guidelines on the right - these have been drawn up the government's public services sector, Directgov, to help children take action if they find themselves a victim of cyberbullying.

As parents, it's important to recognise the signs that something might be wrong. As with all forms of bullying the most obvious indicator will be that your child suddenly becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence.

So, what forms can cyberbullying take?

Email

Malicious emails with an intent to threaten or embarrass, or those which have a strong racist, sexist or prejudice element constitute bullying. It's important to make sure your child realises that if they forward on such emails to be 'in on the joke' they are effectively contributing to the bullying. If they receive directly targeted hate mail they should ensure they show you as soon as possible.

Instant Messenger and chat rooms

Again, if your child has been targeted by persistent victimisation in a chat room or via instant messaging they should tell someone as soon as possible.

Social networking sites

While for the most part social networking sites are a great way for young people to keep in touch with their friends, share news and photos and join special interest groups, there have been reports of hate campaigns being carried out against other users. Malicious users set up profiles of people to make fun of them and then invite other users to take part. It's important to make your child aware of this unpleasant activity so they know to take action if they find themselves a victim, or if they are invited to join such a group. The other problem with social networking sites is that personal photos or emails can be posted by other users without a person's permission.

It's also worth remembering that sometimes these sites can have a negative effect on a child's self-esteem. Keeping up with others in the popularity stakes can make less confident, shy users feel inadequate so it's important to sometimes remind your child that friendship should be judged by quality not quantity and that online friendships aren't always what they seem.

Find out more about social networking sites here.

Useful websites

Safe Kids - a resourceful website promoting safe use of the web for children. It also has some innovative downloadable games to keep net-keen children entertained.

Chat Danger - focuses on the potential dangers of instant messaging, online chat and emailing.

Internet Watch Foundation - UK hot-line for reporting illegal and explicit content.