Millions of people are now connecting their personal computers to telephone lines so that they can go online. Traditionally, online services have been oriented towards adults, but that's changing. An increasing number of schools, Baltimore County included, are going online and, in many homes, children are logging on to commercial services, private bulletin boards, and the Internet. By the year 2000 the average age of an Internet user will be 15 years old. As a parent you need to understand the nature of these systems. Online services are maintained by commercial, self-regulated businesses that may screen or provide editorial/user controls, when possible, of the material contained on their systems Computer Bulletin Boards, called BBS systems, can be operated by individuals, businesses, or organizations. The material presented is usually theme oriented offering information on hobbies and interests. While there are BBS systems that feature Adult-oriented material, most attempt to limit minors from accessing the information contained in those systems. The Internet, a global "network of networks," is not governed by any entity. This leaves no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.
The vast array of services that you currently find online is constantly growing. Reference information such as news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, encyclopedias and this web page are readily available online. As an educational and entertainment tool users can learn about virtually any topic. Millions of people communicate through electronic mail(E-mail) with family and friends around the world and others use the public message boards and chat groups to make new friends who share common interests.
Most people who go online have positive experiences. But, like any endeavor-traveling, cooking, or attending school-there are some risks. The online world, like the rest of society, is made up of a wide array of people. Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious, insulting or even mean and exploitative. Children and teenagers get a lot of benefit from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation in this as in any other environment. Trusting, curious, and anxious to explore this new world and the relationships it brings, children and teenagers need parental supervision and common sense advice on how to be sure that their experiences in "cyberspace" are happy, healthy, and productive.
Although there have been some highly publicized cases of abuse involving computers, reported cases are relatively infrequent. Of course like most crimes against children, many cases go unreported, especially if the child is engaged in an activity that he or she does not want to discuss with a parent. The fact that crimes are being committed online, however, is not a reason to avoid using these services. Children must learn how to become street smart in order to better safeguard themselves in any potentially dangerous situation.
There are few risks for children who use online services. Teenagers are particularly at risk because they often use the computer unsupervised and because they are more likely than younger children to participate in online discussions regarding companionship, relationships, or sexual activity. Some risks are:
Exposure to Inappropriate Material - Material of sexual or violent nature
Physical Molestation - While online, a child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In a few cases, pedophiles have used online services and bulletin boards to gain a child's confidence and then arrange a face-to- face meeting.
Harassment
To help restrict your child's access to discussions, forums, or bulletin boards that contain inappropriate material, whether textual or graphic, many of the commercial online services and some private bulletin boards have systems in place for parents to block out parts of the service they feel are inappropriate for their children. If you are concerned you should contact the service via telephone or E-mail to find out how you can add these restrictions to any accounts your child can access.
By taking the responsibility for your children's online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:
- Never give out identifying information, home address, school name, or telephone number in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards, and be sure you're dealing with someone that you and your child know and trust before giving it out via E-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your service allows it.
- Get to know the services your child uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your child to show you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable material.
- Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.
- Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, abusive, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.
- Should you become aware of the transmission , use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678. You should also notify your online service.
- Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him-or-herself. Thus, someone indicating that "she is a 12-year-old girl" could in reality be a 40 year old man.
- Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than a child's room. Get to know your child's on-line friends.
- Set reasonable guidelines for computer use by your children. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer work station. Remember to monitor your child's use of the computer. A child or teenagers excessive use of online services, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember the personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic babysitters.
These tips obtained from Lawrence J. Magid, a syndicated columnist for Los Angeles Times and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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