Computer Learning Month – Internet Safety

Internet Safety

Has your computer ever crashed and you no longer are able to connect to the internet? Perhaps you would agree that it is a restricted feeling to not be able to go online. Since the internet has become such a major component of our computer use, I decided to focus on internet safety/education for “Computer Learning Month”.

We all know that the internet is a wonderful resource. You can research virtually any topic, play interactive games, and communicate with people across the world. This easy access can sometimes prove to be very dangerous though. A search on any popular search engine could inadvertently bring up undesirable and even dangerous material.

You may think that you can just be careful and avoid these risks, but you would be surprised to know just how hard the enemy is at work to steal your innocence. This is not something to be taken lightly.

Federal Laws

A law has even been created to help protect children while they are using the Internet. It is designed to keep anyone from getting personal information without the parents knowing and agreeing to it first.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires websites to explain their privacy policies on the site and get parents’ consent before collecting or using a child’s personal information, such as a name, address, or phone number. It also keeps children from having to provide personal information before playing a game or entering a contest. (That’s why we post about getting your parent’s permission before subscribing to our magazine.)

Even with this law, it is extremely important that children use the internet with their parents. You may have no plans to visit a harmful site, but it only takes a couple clicks to happen upon ungodly and perverted material.

Information for Parents

Study and learn how to block adult material. Many internet service providers give help in blocking unwanted material, but even these methods are not 100% effective.

Keep the computer in a common area where you can monitor your child.

Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior.

Open email with your children and share email accounts.

Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar charges.

Bookmark your child’s favorite sites so they can access them easily.

Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms.

Information for Children

Follow your parents’ rules when it comes to computer use.

Never share personal information, like your full name, address, or phone number.(Some people use ‘screen’ names instead of their real names.) Never talk about city landmarks, school mascots, or sporting events if you want your location to be private.

Be very wary about making “friends” on the internet. Your parents should always know about anyone you “meet” online.

Never enter a chat room.

Never agree to meet someone you have met on the internet. These are strangers and you have no idea if they are really who they say they are. Unfortunately, predators are lurking and seek to do harm to innocent children. (Parents use wisdom and discretion when agreeing to have your family meet another.)

Never share photographs on the internet without your parent’s permission. (Some girls may decide show off a new dress and black out their faces.)

Chat Room Danger

Online chat rooms are designed for people with different interests. There are even some for Christians. They may seem innocent enough and are certainly popular for teenagers, but they are extremely dangerous. There have been many incidents where kids have made “friends” who have ended up being people who intend harm. Since many kids know to not give out addresses online, they may give their phone number for someone to call them. With caller id, a person posing to be a friend can get all the information they need to put you at risk.
Because of this, you should NEVER go to a chat room. The danger is simply too great!

(*Note: From the Editor: Some parents choose to allow their older teens to be online, but have chosen only to do so, because the parent’s know the other families involved and monitor their online time. The older girls who write here and all work together on the magazine have online meetings regarding the site and their moms are in the chat and the discussion is monitored and of a business nature.)

In Conclusion

I have focused on the harm lurking around every corner of the internet, but there is also plenty of good available. There are many very good Christian resources and websites geared at ministering and encouraging our children. At Growing in Grace, we are very diligent in providing wholesome material, links, and resources to young ladies. Still, we encourage all young ladies to remain under the protective covering of their parents. Their innocence depends upon it!