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Children on Line 

At home and school many children have internet access which they can use to contact friends to swap files and information or often just chat about day to day things.

Many have their own computer in their bedroom, or a laptop which can access the web and send email via wired or wireless connections.

Mobile phone technology now allows internet access and email and some systems provide a full service similar to wireless networks using a dedicated mobile phone, although cost currently restricts a wider use.

Whilst most children use the internet to contact known friends many spread their contact net further afield and this is where danger lurks.

A common practice is "grooming" where a sexual predator or financially motivated user makes contact with a child or teen and strikes up a friendship.

Additionally many vulnerable youngsters may seek and be given bad or poor advice about health issues such as eating disorders, cutting, drug taking and solvent abuse, indeed some suicides have occurred due to online advice or encouragement. The young are especially at risk.

If the youngster is vulnerable and perhaps lonely then the groomer can exploit that "weakness" and appear to be interested in helping or friendship. It is at this point that personal and private information can be released, so users should be aware

Typically information you may divulge which which ,may appear innocent can lead to your privacy being serious invaded;

• Many users use ID's, or handles to identify themselves uniquely to a web site which also allows them to remain anonymous
• Profiles on social networking and chat areas create an opportunity to add personal details on yourself - avoid adding this in detail unless the profile is PRIVATE and restricted to access by you to friends and invited special people.
• Give your first name only - even make one up for use with new contacts, make it clear this is not really your name by saying call me "Julie".
• Avoid giving your home address, school or anything that puts you in a close area. Stating the country where you live is OK and maybe the county and state.
• Many web sites do not disclose your actual email address so avoid giving that out and pass all messages via the site only. Disclosing your email address may get you on spammers lists.
• Telephone numbers should not be disclosed
• Names of schools, colleges and universities should not be disclosed to strangers.

Best practices

• As a parent know what your child uses a computer at home for, consider investing in software which monitors or limits their use.
• Learn about the dangers and regular discuss those risks with your family members.
• Install security software on your PC or Laptop to safeguard users who may collect personal information from your system without your knowledge - use well know names such as Syphos, MacAfee or Symantec and avoid free or cheap options which may have limited value.
• Ask questions and get verifiable answers to new contacts about their identity and credibility.
• Be generally cautious of requests for friendship or to help.
• Read other pages of this web site to put your own and other friends and families internet use into perspective.

Useful web sites

http://www.theparentsedge.com giving parents to tools and resources to keep kids safe online.

http://www.connectsafely.org where parents, teens and anyone interested in online safety should go.