Internet Safety ► sponsored by Island Arts Magazine

We have had a horrible week concerning internet safety. We have had two more incidents of internet "luring" this week bringing the total to five so far in 2009, and that number is only what we know about. Island Arts Magazine

In the first incident, Canadian Border Services saved the day when they became suspicious of a 20 year old American flying into Calgary. Turns out he was meeting a 15 year old girl he befriended online. Charges are pending.

In the second incident of "luring", it didn't turn out as well. A 13 year old boy met a older man online who befriended him. They got together twice. The 13 year old was sexually assaulted both times. Charges are pending.

As parents it is our RESPONSIBILITY to know what our children are doing online! Our kids don't realize the danger they are putting themselves in when they agree to meet people they have only "chatted" with online. These predators are very convincing in what they type and are always there to listen to your child when you are not.

You can't be home or see what your child is doing online every minute of every day, but you can make it very difficult for a predator to invade your home by doing a few simple things.

  1. All computers must be located in high traffic areas. Laptops must be used in high traffic areas or taken away.

  2. Look over your child's shoulder once in a while and see what they are doing.

  3. Check the computers usage history once a week.

  4. If you think something is wrong, it probably is and you NEED to talk to your child.

  5. If your child won't open up about what's wrong consider purchasing spyware.

  6. You can find great products at www.webwatchernow.com , www.spectorsoft.com or www.spytech-web.com which will help.

  7. Print the Street Smart Kidz's My Rules for Internet Safety, sit down with your child and go over every point. Have them sign it then post it on the wall beside the computer. If they break a rule, suspend their computer privileges and if all else fails get rid of all your computers! Sell them. Buy a laptop and keep it under lock and key until you need it.

Steven