Internet Privacy - Why Essential for Families and Children

01/06/2009 

The Internet is both new and incredibly social. Every day, millions of people log into the Internet and use it for multiple endeavors. Teenagers and preteens have essentially been born and bred on the Internet and use it for almost every task they perform – from communicating with each other to doing homework. For these reasons, it is important to know what steps to take in ensuring the privacy of your children while online. At the very least you can keep junk mail out of your inbox and in worst case scenarios you can keep online predators from contacting your children.

For a parent, it is important to teach children good Internet habits while also taking the necessary steps to protect the computer and interface used by that child. By educating yourself and your children, you can avoid many common mistakes and keep the most basic of information safe, allowing you to feel confident when your children use the Internet.

Kinds of Internet Privacy

Internet privacy does not just refer to the protection of your financial data. Everything you do online can be compromised. This includes the people you talk to, the email you receive, and the products you buy. Think of online privacy as an extension of the basic safety discussions you start having with your children when they are still learning to write their names. Every task performed can be infringed upon when you are online.

Ways Privacy Can Be Infringed Upon

Privacy online can be infringed upon in many different ways. By neglecting your duty to take steps in protecting the privacy of everyone in your family, the following can happen:

• You can receive large volumes of junk and phishing emails.
• You can fall victim to identity theft.
• Online advertising will begin to pop up on your browser repeatedly.
• Someone can access your computer and take personal information.
• Your child can be tricked by an online predator.

Talking to Your Children About Privacy

When you talk to your children about online privacy, keep a few simple things in mind. First, they should remember that the Internet is the same as real life in the dangers that are present. While it might seem as though it is not real or a game, the effects can be just as substantial and they are in real danger if they do not heed your advice. Information such as age, date of birth, addresses, school location, phone numbers, email addresses, real names, email addresses, or daily schedules can all be used by predators and scammers against your children.

Always start by explaining what their decision might mean. If they make poor decisions while online because they do not know any better they could be putting themselves at great risk. Tell them the consequences, and then tell them the ways in which they can protect themselves. It is for the general, long term good of your child that you speak to them about online privacy dangers as early as possible.

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