Internet Safety Seminar: Internet Safety Seminar WHIZKIDS LLC Computer Training for Children and Adults www.whizkidsllc.com Presented By:


Introductions: Introductions Kelly McLaughlan WHIZKIDS Co-founder Joan Fernandez WHIZKIDS Co-founder


Statement of Problem: Statement of Problem There is an estimated 80 million kids online today, at any given moment (DOJ 2005) In addition to the useful and educational information available on the Internet, a great deal of content exists that is not appropriate for children Children could be targets of cyberstalking or harassment that includes repeated and unwanted contact through the Internet that is rude or threatening Other Internet dangers to children include sexual exploitation or enticement Children may become involved in criminal activity on the Internet


Children on the Internet: Children on the Internet 2 out of 5 missing children, between the ages of 14 and 17, are missing due to internet activity. Law Enforcement officials estimate as many as 50,000 sexual predators are online at any given moment. (Dateline, 1/2006) There is a 100% chance of your child meeting a predator in a chat room. (FBI 2004) 75% of children are willing to share personal information online about themselves and their family in exchange for gifts, free samples, free online games, etc. (DOJ)


Children on the Internet: Children on the Internet 64% of teens say that they do and say things online that they wouldn’t want their parents to know about. (Pew Report 2005) One third of 8-to-18 year olds have their computers in their bedrooms. 42% of parents do not review the content of what their teen types in chat rooms, emails or instant messaging. (NCMEC 2005)


Children on the Internet: Children on the Internet 95% of parents didn’t recognize the common chat room lingo that teenagers use to let people they’re chatting with know that their parents are watching. A/S/L = Age/Sex/Location MUSM = Miss You So Much TAW = Teachers are Watching POS = Parent over Shoulder WTGP = Want to Go Private LMIRL = Let’s Meet in Real Life


Where did Sexual Solicitation Occur: Where did Sexual Solicitation Occur Computer location at home 70% someone else’s home 22% at school 4% at library 3% Internet in chatroom 65% instant messages 24% David Finkalhur, Kimberly J. Mitchell & James Wolak Online Victimization: A Report on the Nations Youth. Alexandria VA: NCMEC, 2000, page 8.


Characteristics of an Online Victim: Characteristics of an Online Victim Children are ideal victims 90% of internet initiated cases involve children between 13 and 16 years of age naturally curious easily led by adults need for attention and affection need to defy parents Kenneth Lanning, Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis, Alexandria VA: NCMEC, 2001, pages 139 – 140.


Slide9: Steps Parents Can Take…


Content Filtering Software (examples) : Content Filtering Software (examples)


Creating multiple logins with passwords: Creating multiple logins with passwords


Computer Virus, Spam and Adware protection: Computer Virus, Spam and Adware protection Anti Virus Software - computer programs designed to detect and respond to malicious software such as viruses and worms. Responses may include blocking user access to infected files, cleaning infected files or systems, or informing the user that an infected program was detected. Examples: Symantec Norton AntiVirus (very popular) BitDefender (top-rated) McAfee VirusScan (wide corporate use) Grisoft AVG (free) Anti Spam Software - computer programs designed to detect and respond to unwanted advertisements and bulk messaging, in E-mail or Instant Messages Anti Adware Software - computer programs designed to detect and respond to unwanted advertisements, spybots and cookies loaded without your knowledge to track and influence your buying habits


Pop-up blockers: Pop-up blockers


Slide14: Personal and Family Information


Placement of Computers & Parental Supervision: Placement of Computers & Parental Supervision The computer should be in a central/open area in the home, such as the Family Room. Parents should participate in their children’s computer usage.


Monitor Online Communication: Monitor Online Communication Web sites for children are not permitted to request personal information without a parent's permission. Talk to children about what personal information is and why you should not give it to people online. If children use chat or E-mail, talk to them about never meeting in person with anyone they first "met" online. Talk to children about not responding to offensive or dangerous E-mail, chat, or other communications. Report any such communication to local law enforcement. Do not delete the offensive or dangerous E-mail; turn off the monitor, and contact local law enforcement.


What additional measures can you take…: What additional measures can you take… Prepare your children for the online world just as you would for the real world Keep a list of clear cut rules for online behavior posted near your computer Have your children show you what they can do online Have your children use child friendly search engines when doing homework www.yahooligans.com www.kidsclick.com www.ajkids.com www.netnanny.com Make sure you know AT LEAST AS MUCH as your children


What additional measures can you take…: What additional measures can you take… Keep internet, E-mail and other accounts in your name, NOT your child’s Familiarize yourself with the computer rules of your children’s friends Review your child’s online profile and edit as necessary. Keep details to a minimum (No personal information)


The Rules of Safe Surfin’: The Rules of Safe Surfin’ S Speak to my parents and get their permission before going online. A Avoid giving out personal information (name of town, school, phone number, parents’ name, etc.) F Feel free to tell a parent or trusted adult if something or someone on the Internet makes you feel uncomfortable. E Enjoy your time online by always being a SAFE SURFER


Educate Yourself…: Educate Yourself… The following web sites provide helpful information to parents, children, educators and law enforcement regarding Internet safety issues: www.netsmartz.org The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource to teach kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet. www.wiredsafety.org Report cyber crimes here – stalking, sexual exploitation and ID theft Sponsor of wiredkids.org, wiredteens.org as well as the “Teenangels” www.isafe.org i-SAFE America Inc. is a worldwide leader in Internet safety education. Founded in 1998 and endorsed by the U.S. Congress, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere. www.getnetwise.org Many others – Cybertipline.com, Safekids.com, etc.


Educate Yourself…: www.WHIZKIDSLLC.com Computer Training, Enrichment and Safe Usage for: Pre-schoolers Kindergartners Adults Educate Yourself…


Slide22: Questions ???