City of Colleyville - Colleyville Police Department’s Recommendations for Protecting Children on the Internet

Colleyville Police Department’s Recommendations for Protecting Children on the Internet

Privacy

How much privacy do you allow your child?
How much do you respect your child's privacy?
Do you allow your child to have a lock on their bedroom door?
Do you allow your child to have a secure telephone line, one that you cannot monitor?
Does your child have their own computer in their room?
Do you monitor the HISTORY of searched/accessed websites on your child's computer?

As a parent, you decide the level of privacy that your child has in your own home. Allowing a child too much privacy without sufficient boundaries can lead them to tread on dangerous ground.

Involvement

Do you spend time with your child when on the Internet?
Do you have a Guardian Program on your child's computer?
Do you have a Computer Virus Protection Program on your child's computer?

Spending time with your child while they are investigating the Internet gives you the opportunity to correct any improper searches that they may encounter.

Screening

Do you screen your child's activities in chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.?
Do you allow your child to meet new friends in chat rooms, instant messenger, etc.?

Many predators pose as children similar in age and socio-economic status. Predators will work to earn the friendship of your child slowly, until they gain sufficient confidence to ask for explicit information or photos. Eventually, predators will want a face-to-face meeting to discuss their friendship, why your child is upset with you, problems at school, etc. Some predators will set up and make travel arrangements for your child.

Communication

Do you and your child talk enough?
Can they come to you with questions or to talk about what's bothering them?
Are you too busy to spend time with your child on the computer?
Do you trust your child to make decisions about Internet activities?
Is your child more computer literate than you?

Predators will befriend your child by any means they can. Remember, the predator is mature, skilled in interpersonal techniques, financially capable and may have been successful in the past with other victim children. The bottom line is “get involved with your children, communicate, show care, concern, and love”.

Sources of Information for Cyber-Safety for Children

Safe Teens
Safe Kids
Missing Kids
Cyber Tipline
State of Texas, Office of the Attorney General

Monday, October 13, 2008