Online Safety for Kids: 7 Tips

Today's children have the opportunity to grow up learning computer science and programming fundamentals. While this early access to computers and the Internet allows children to cultivate a highly valuable skill set, the same exposure to technology poses safety risks for youngsters. Here are some precautions you can take to help keep adolescents safe online: 

• Take advantage of resources from your tech manufacturer or service provider, such as these (from AT&T, Microsoft and Sprint) suggested by Internet Safety 101^®
• Set age filters, such as this one from Covenant Eyes^® that you can adjust as children grow older
• Regularly review the browser history on any computer a child has been using
• Talk to children about safety concerns - let them know that it's not OK for someone to ask them about personal information or use sexually suggestive language
• Let adolescents know what to do about cyberbullying (including documenting the events and telling an adult immediately) and warn children against becoming bullies themselves
• Block chat rooms
• Review the FBI's list of signs your child might be at risk online

If we collectively take the necessary precautions against dangerous Internet behavior, we have the potential to help the young generation enjoy their adolescence to the fullest.

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