Experts give tips on Internet safety

Are your children safe online? If you think they are, you may want to think again. Recent studies reveal some shocking statistics. One in five young Internet users received an online sexual solicitation during a one-year period, and almost one in three gave out their home address. Like most parents, you probably want to protect your children but feel you lack the technical savvy to take action.

Fortunately, a group of compa- nies and organizations has joined forces to form the Internet Keep Safe Coalition and a website, www.iKeepSafe.org. At iKeepSafe.org, parents may access a free tool that guides them through the 10 technical actions they must take to protect their children online.

Developed in partnership with Internet security leader Symantec, the tutorial covers everything from fil- ters and fraud to safe surfing and searching as well as how to track and monitor a child's Internet usage.

The iKeepSafe.org website in- cludes a list of safety tips for kids, plus animated videos and games with safety information. It also offers these helpful tips for parents:

+Keep the computer in a com- mon room in the house and position the monitor so it's available for pub- lic viewing. +Establish rules for using the Internet and teach children important safety guidelines.

+Use blocking software or filter- ing programs, but don't rely on them as your only line of defense.

+Teach children that people online are not always who they say they are.

+Frequently check the Internet history to see which sites your chil- dren are visiting.

+Monitor your children's e-mail account. Let them know you're do- ing it and why.

+Spend time with your children online. Have them show you their favorite sites.

If you see anything suspi- cious or think your child may be a victim of Internet exploi- tation, call the police, the FBI or the National Center for Miss- ing Children at (800) 843-5678. For more tips, visit www.iKeep Safe.org.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.