Home Security Library: Guide to Internet Safety for Kids & Teens

While the internet can be an amazing resource for teenagers, it is not without its dangers. Most teens naturally lack impulse control. When this is combined with the belief that the internet is safe, anonymous and that everything you read is true, the World Wide Web can be a scary place. From cyber-bullying to making private information public, the internet can put teens at risk. This, coupled with computer damaging spam and internet scams, make understanding the dangers of internet usage invaluable.

Dangers

Cyber-bullying is when a teenager is bullied, threatened or harassed by another teen. It is estimated that 41% of young adults have been targeted by one of their peers online, and of these 25% have experienced repeated bullying. This danger of the internet can be damaging to the social development of minors, their self-esteem and can, in some cases, lead a young person to suicide. The increase of this type of teen torment has led to cases of cyber-bullying being classified as a misdemeanor and a perpetuating teen can be charged with juvenile delinquency.

With the onslaught of social media outlets, the number of teens who post private information, such as their age, address, last name and phone number, have greatly increased. This leaves minors at risk of harm from others their age and even adults. Posting provocative or nude photographs is also relatively common, which can result in several legal issues for both those viewing the material and the teen themselves. Close monitoring of internet usage and the types of information a teen is posting online is essential to ensuring their safety.

While adults are often vigilant of the types of websites they visit for fear of threats to their computer, young adults statistically pay little attention to this. Malicious spam, often laden with viruses, can prove to be costly, both for repairs to a computer and any personal information that is lost. Websites that are known to carry the risk of these threats are best blocked from accessing.

Scammers often target the young. Studies have shown that the portion of the brain responsible for good decision making does not fully develop until a person reaches the age of 25. In a word, minors can be gullible and therefore more prone to becoming a victim of an online scam. This can put their private information, money and personal safety at risk.

• Cyberbullying An explanation of the term, signs it is happening and how both parents and teens can prevent it.
• Posting Personal Information Recent studies show that an alarming amount of teens post incredibly private information on the internet with no knowledge of the possible repercussions.
• Scams Targeting Teens A list a descriptions of scams meant to target teens.
• FAQ About Downloading Details the risks of downloading files online.
• Illegal Downloading Information on the hidden dangers of downloading files, especially media, over the internet.

Tips for Parents

There are several ways in which parents can actively protect their child from the dangers of the internet. Communication, while often difficult with a young adult, can go a long way in educating a teen on the dangers of the internet and how to protect themselves. Explaining what type of information is okay to post online and who to talk to if they are being harassed can be extremely beneficial.

There are also several types of safety software available on the market to help parents monitor their teen's internet usage. Parental control software allows parents to block access to certain websites, while network spy's monitor chats, websites visited and the time spent online. Some programs offer remote real-time viewing, so parents can check on their teen while they are away from home.

While there are several high-tech ways to protect teenagers, good old fashioned parenting can go a long way. Setting time limits for computer usage, and enforcing those rules, can reduce the amount of risk associated with the internet. Keeping the computer in a main part of the home, rather than a child's room, can make it easier for parents to monitor usage and be a natural deterrent for teens.

• Respect and Protect Tips for protecting teens online while still respecting their privacy.
• How to Protect Teens Online Ways that parents can protect their teens for predators and cyber-bullying.
• Protecting by the Numbers A list of statistics about the dangers of internet usage by teens.
• Kids and the Internet How to apply real life lessons to the internet.
• Talking to Teens How to talk to young adults about social media and “sexting”.

Tips for Kids & Teens

The internet is a fantastic way to learn about new things, keep in touch with friends and is nearly essential for completing school work. There are some things, however, that you should never do online. Giving out any type of personal information, even if you believe only friends are viewing it, is never a good idea. While you may think that your page is private, once something is on the internet; such as your full name, address, phone number or where you plan to be on a certain day, can be found by anyone with decent computer skills.

The internet allows for people from all over the world to talk without the pressure of being face to face. This can lead to fast, intense feelings for another person that you've never met in real life. It is important to remember, however, that anyone can lie on the internet – and the majority of people do, especially when trying to start a relationship. Meeting someone in person that you've met online puts you at great risk of physical harm.

In today's world, you can download nearly anything online. From music to full-length movies, the possibilities truly are endless. While there is often nothing inherently wrong with this so long as the material is paid for, these downloads often come with viruses attached, which can harm your computer and put your personal information, and your parents', at risk. Before downloading anything, you should discuss it with your mom or dad. While this may seem like a pain, it is infinitely better than having to go without access to a home computer while it is being repaired.

• Safe Surfing for Teens The dangers of the internet and how to protect yourself.
• Internet Survival Tips 10 tips for how to protect yourself online.
• Tips from Teens A list of tips, from teenager to teenager, of how to avoid the dangers of the internet.
• Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens A collection of tips and tricks for teens of all ages.
• Safely Surfing the Web Valuable information on how to keep yourself safe online.

Warning Signs

There are a few warning signs that parents can look for which may indicate their child is doing something they aren’t supposed to online. Excessive use of the internet, especially late at night when the rest of the family is sleeping, is often a huge indicator that a teen is talking to someone they shouldn’t be. Keeping the computer in a communal part of the home can help to rectify this, as can putting a timer on the computer that shuts it down at a certain time of day; these programs typically only allow access to the computer with a password between a time frame of the parent's choosing.

Even if the computer is kept in a public area, a teen that suddenly switches screens every time you're in eyesight or shuts the computer down automatically is often doing something they aren’t supposed to, whether talking to a stranger or downloading files. Phone calls from supposed friends that you've never heard of can also be a warning sign. Protecting your teen from the dangers of the internet can be exhausting at times, but vigilance and consistency can help to keep them from harm.

• Cyber-bullying Warning Signs Signs that your child may be a victim of cyber-bullying, or that they may be doing the bullying themselves.
• Internet Harrasment Signs that your child may be being harassed online.
• Internet Predator Warning Signs Red flags that your child is a potential victim, and what to do about it.
• Online Predator Facts Information on how online predators work, making it easier for parents to recognize potential warning signs.
• Is Your Child Having Cyber Issues Signs your child may be having problems online, and what you can do to help.