How to Keep Your Child Safe from Internet Predators

Every week on Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator it becomes obvious how many online predators are making use of computers to shop for their next victim. Because of this, computer safety is increasingly becoming a major concern for parents. The first key to protecting your child is to know that the problem really isn't with the computer but with the how the computer is being used by online predators. If you want to know how to use the computer while still protecting your child, here are a few tips on how to maximize computer safety while monitoring their Internet access.

1. Don't forbid your child to use computers. You may be tempted to refuse computer access to your child. Unfortunately, keeping them from the Internet in the interest of computer safety is not a viable option. Your child needs to use computers for their classes in school. Even if you do not allow computer access at home they can make use of computers at school, their friend's homes, and public libraries. The Internet can be a wholesome, educational way to spend time when an eye is kept on computer safety. It can sometimes be a way be a way for your child to keep connected with legitimate friends. Many good friendships have blossomed over the Internet. Furthermore, your child can't compete in the world of work without computer skills.

2.) Limit any computing to a central location in your home. The best defense against an online predator is an attentive parent in the room. If the computer is in your child's room they can hide who they are talking to and what web sites they are entering. For the greatest maximum computer safety you need to always be aware of your child's going's on when he or she is online.

3.) Make yourself the administrator of any computer that is in the home. Keep the password private and change it regularly. Your child can log on under his or her own limited access account where you can ensure computer safety by making sure the security settings are set to an age appropriate level. Let your child know that you will need access to their online account and that you will be randomly screening messages and e-mail. Explain the reasons why this needs to be done and that it's for their own computer safety.

4.) Install a program such as Net Nanny that keeps track of what your child is looking at and who they are talking to. Internet safety now includes the computers your child uses at home, school, and the library. Make it a point to find out computer programs other parents and educators are using to ensure computer safety when they are online. Make sure that all your children's friends enforce similar computer safety rules in their home.

5.) Try to be just a knowledgeable as your child about computers. Know the signs that your child may be making inappropriate use of the computer. Has your child lost interest in anything but using the computer? Is your child losing sleep, or uninterested in physical appearance and cleanliness. Is he or she withdrawing from friends and family? Is your modem on late at night when no one is at the computer? This is a serious problem in your computer safety. If you see a series of four or sixteen digits on the computer it could mean that someone is trying to hijack your computer system. If you see four digits, the hijacker is trying to find PIN numbers. If you see a series of sixteen digits, they're looking for credit card numbers.

6.) Teach your child to use street smarts when they are online. They need to know that private family information should be something not to be disclosed online. Your child needs to know not to ever give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number. They should know never to arrange a face-to face meeting with someone they met on-line without first clearing it with you and only if you are present at that meeting. Teach your child never to post or upload pictures of themselves to people you don't personally know and never without your express permission. If someone posts a threatening, suggestive, or obscene message your child should know not to respond to that message and to tell you immediately. The most important computer safety rule is to instruct your child that whatever they are told online may not be true.

7.) Limit the use of web cams and instant messaging to when you are in the room and only to people you know. These items can be used while ensuring your child's computer safety if you are willing to keep a strict eye on how your child and everyone in your family uses them.

8.) Make rules for the whole family, including your child to follow about computer safety and use. Bring them into an active discussion about the rules. Help them to understand that these rules are for their benefit and safety. Post the rules next to computer where everyone can see and also discuss specific consequences and punishments for breaking those rules. Be prepared to enforce these rules. Make sure also, that you notice when your child does follow the rules and praise him or her for their trustworthiness.

9.) To ensure computer safety, know the warning signs that your child is being singled out by a Internet predator. Is your child spending large amounts of time on the Internet, especially at night? Are you finding pornography on your child's computer? Is your child receiving phone calls from adults or children you don't know? If this is happening, are the phone calls from long distance areas you don't recognize? Is your child receiving expensive gifts or packages from people you don't know? Does he or she turn off the computer monitor or change the screen when you are in the room? If your child using an online account that belongs to someone else? Make sure you are aware of these warning signs to maximize your child's computer safety.

10.) Know the Internet lingo. The best way to know what's going on with your child as far as computer safety is to know what the all those different abbreviations mean when your child is instant messaging their friends. Jupiter Parents has a sight to help parents make sense of the popular Internet lingo that's so commonly used in instant messages. Here are just a few translations that may prove to be helpful when you are concerned about your child's computer safety.

P911 - My parents are in the room (watch what you're saying)
POS- Parents Over Shoulder
WTGP? - Want To Go Private? (chat room)
Dr. O - marijuana
Going Cyber - cyber sex
Having a direct connect - cyber sex

The most important thing to remember is not to be intimidated by the computer. You and your child can learn a lot and have a lot of fun online as long as you take an active interest in their computer safety as a parent.