BE it in chat rooms, on Instant Messenger, or on social networking sites, kids are entering the cyber universe unguarded from dangers that can put them, as well as family and friends, in serious risk. Many young users are freely and carelessly providing personal information such as their name, birth date, address and telephone number, to people or strangers they meet online.
Since parents can't always prevent their children from visiting such websites, it is crucial that they speak to their kids about the consequences of risky online behavior and what safety precautions are required when interacting with others on the Internet.
Symantec Corp., a global leader in consumer and business software solutions, advises parents to be mindful of the common places young people visit online, the potential risks involved and best practices to keep your children safe:
Chat, Discussion and News Groups-Messages posted on such public forums are available for consumption by anyone, anywhere. From the simply curious to potential employers, online users are able to search for copies of messages along with the names of groups to which your child subscribes, which can be kept indefinitely.
What parents can do:
* Make sure your kids participate in chat or discussion groups under a pseudonym or alias.
* Inform your children to be discreet, and not to provide any personal information.
* Use a disposable e-mail address that can be discarded.
* Some groups that store old messages offer tools that allow you to delete them for good.
Social Networking Sites-These popular websites offer an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and video. Young people need to understand that there are real people beyond the screen, not just their friends. Posting private information allows cyber predators to have access to a diary, blog and photos without having to go to chat rooms.
What parents can do:
* Be involved in building your child's online networking page and regularly monitor their usage and the content and information that is placed online.
* Talk to your kids about how their page should reflect who they are, and that they should be thoughtful about the appropriateness of comments and images they post.
* Make sure to note your child's display name and password in order to access their profile.
* Be vigilant of the friends that your children are communicating with and make sure you know who they are and acquaint yourself with their parents.
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