Dangers on the Internet

Cyber-bullying and social networking among children of all ages can potentially bring serious harm to a child.

Resources

From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
http://www.ncmec.org/en_US/publications/NC62.pdf

http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm

http://www.wiredsafety.org/parent.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html

http://www.isafe.org/

http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/

http://safetynet.aap.org/

http://www.netsmartz.org/

Articles

Study: Many Students Exposed To Cyber-Bulling At School
Organizations Urges Parents, Students to Fight Back
By Ming Pimhatai Tiemchaiyapum
July 30, 2008

Many parents think schools are one of the safest places for their children, but a recent survey shows it may be the place many kids face Internet bullying the most.
The National Parent-Teacher Organization shows 45 percent of pre-teens said they have been cyber-bullied at school, while 30 percent of teens saying they’ve had the same experience.

Parents urged to spy on their kids’ surfing
Big Brother is watching you
Written by Clement James
August 4, 2008

With the summer holidays in full swing and millions of children across the UK spending time on social networking sites, parents are being urged to monitor what their children are doing online.

IM and chatrooms worst for sexual harassment
Written by Robert Jaques
February 5, 2008

Young teenagers are more likely to be victimised while using instant messaging and chatrooms than social networking sites, new research claimed today.
The study was conducted by child health researchers Michele Ybarra of Internet Solutions for Kids and Kimberly Mitchell of the University of New Hampshire.
The research looked at websites where young adults are most likely to experience sexual solicitation and harassment.
and Exploited Children

Tips for Parents

1. Monitor your children when allowing them to use the Internet
2. Ensure computers are in common areas like living rooms or kitchens in order to keep a watchful eye on them while using the Internet
3. Don’t allow children to meet friends from the Internet unsupervised
4. Block websites that may have inappropriate information or content
5. Talk to your children about the dangers of online predators
For more tips see: http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm#How_Parents_Can_Reduce_the_Risks_