Benefits & Risks of Going Online

The Internet can be wonderful for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and peers, and play interactive games.

But online access also comes with risks, like:

• inappropriate content
• cyberbullying (or electronic bullying)
• online predators, who may pose as a child or teen looking to make a new friend. They might prod kids to exchange personal information, like addresses and phone numbers, or encourage kids to call them so predators can see the phone number with caller ID.
• social media apps and websites that tempt kids to buy things or to take risks
• false or misleading information
• algorithms, which are formulas that help online tools decide what content kids see online. They might shape what kids see and learn and could encourage unhealthy behaviors.
• recommended content in online feeds based on what content kids have seen before, which can keep them scrolling and scrolling without thinking about it.

Parents should be aware of what their kids see and hear online, who they meet, and what they share about themselves. Talk with your kids about cyber safety, use tools to protect them, and keep an eye on their activities.

Internet Safety Laws

A federal law, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) helps protect kids younger than 13 when they're online. This online safety act is designed to keep anyone from getting a child's personal information without a parent knowing about it and agreeing to it first.

COPPA requires websites to explain their privacy policies and get parental consent before collecting or using a child's personal information, such as a name, address, phone number, or Social Security number. The law also prohibits a site from requiring a child to provide more personal information than necessary to play a game or enter a contest.

Tools to Help Protect Kids Online

Online tools let you control your kids' access to adult material and help protect them from Internet predators:

• Many Internet service providers (ISPs) provide parent-control options.
• You can also get apps that: run safety checks of internet sites, block access to sites, and restrict personal information from being sent online.
• Other programs can monitor and track online activity. If your child’s school uses these programs on any school-issued devices, you’re usually also given access to check this activity.

Getting Involved in Kids' Online Activities

More important than blocking objectionable material is teaching your kids safe and responsible online behavior and keeping an eye on their device use.

Online Safety Rules 

Here are some basic online safety tips to share with your kids:

• Follow the family rules, and those set by the Internet service provider.
• Never post or trade personal pictures or videos.
• Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location.
• Never agree to get together in person with anyone met online without parental approval and/or supervision.
• Never respond to a threatening email, message, post, or text.
• Always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that was scary or hurtful.

Steps Parents Can Take

Here are some internet safety tips to help you protect your child:

• Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior.
• Keep the computer, laptop, or tablet in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use, not in individual bedrooms. 
• Bookmark kids' favorite sites for easy access.
• Check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
• Find out what, if any, online protection is offered by your child's school, after-school center, friends' homes, or any place where kids could use a computer without your supervision. If they give you access to the tool, set up your account so you can check in when needed.
• Take kids seriously if they report an uncomfortable online exchange.
• Talk to your kids about algorithms and recommended content, so they understand why they may be seeing certain posts, articles, and videos.

If you're aware of the sending, use, or viewing of child pornography online, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678 or go online to their CyberTipline. They'll make sure the info is forwarded to law enforcement officials for investigation. Contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI if your child has received child pornography via the phone or Internet.

Warning Signs of Online Predators

Watch for warning signs of a child being targeted by an online predator. These can include:

• spending long hours online, especially at night
• phone calls from people you don't know
• gifts arriving in the mail from strangers
• your child suddenly turning off the computer or other device when you walk into the room
• withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities

Talk to your kids! Keep an open line of communication and make sure that they feel comfortable turning to you when they have problems online.

The Internet & Teens

As kids get older, it gets a little trickier to monitor their time spent online. They may carry a smartphone with them at all times. They probably want — and need — some privacy. This is healthy and normal, as they're becoming more independent from their parents. The Internet can provide a safe "virtual" environment for exploring some newfound freedom if precautions are taken.

Talk about the sites and apps teens use and their online experiences. Discuss the dangers of interacting with strangers online and remind them that people online don't always tell the truth. Explain that passwords are there to protect against things like identity theft. They should never share them with anyone, even a boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend.

Taking an active role in your kids' online activities helps ensure that they benefit from them without being exposed to the potential dangers.