The Internet is a
great way for your teens to express themselves. Think about it: They
meet with their friends and make new ones by chatting and posting
information about themselves on social networking sites. They check
out the latest styles and shop online. They send their friends
pictures, music and videos via IM, email or web site links.
You might sleep
better knowing your teenagers are hanging out with their friends
inside the house rather than on the streets and at the mall, but
there are risks on the Internet, too.
Fortunately, you can
reduce online safety risks by staying open to what your teens enjoy
about the Internet, helping them explore the web safely, and making
sure they know they can come to you if they feel threatened or
encounter any sort of problem online.
Here are three
important tips to follow yourself and to share with your teens about
how to stay protected online.
No. 1:
Be careful what you download and share Let
your teens know not to download unauthorized copies of copyrighted
music from a file-sharing network, share copyrighted music using
instant messaging (IM), email or by handing out or uploading CDs. If
you use a file-sharing program, be sure to turn it on only to update
files. Set passwords for access to your shared folders to protect
yourself from other computer users who might find an unprotected
folder to be a convenient dumping ground for their files
No. 2:
Don't give away the store Shopping
online saves hours of schlepping your kids around town. Even if they
drive, they can find the shoes, books and games they want online no
matter where you live. And just as your teens would take precautions
in a brick and mortar store -- like leaving their wallet open on the
table with sale jeans and then walking away -- they need to practice
common sense online. When shopping online, remind your teens that
before submitting credit card numbers or other confidential
information over the Internet through a connection that appears
secure, they should confirm the authenticity of the web site URL.
They should also pay attention to the advised delivery date. Sites
that promise delivery dates further than 20 days after your payment
involve more risk. Another tip for parents: Install a good Internet
security program with parental controls that can help block
inappropriate web sites and prevent your teens from giving out
personal information without your permission.
No. 3:
Play games safely Some
games are played directly on the web. They require you to turn on
ActiveX or JavaScript, programming languages that developers write to
help you use your web browser. Although this code can be very helpful
when it is turned on, it leaves your computer wide open, so hackers
can get in. When your teens have finished playing games online, make
sure they turn off ActiveX and JavaScript.
Jennifer Martinez is a freelance writer with a specialty in computer family topics.
