Schools out! For kids, summer vacation means hitting the pools, baseball games or just hanging out with friends. But in this day and age, it also means more time online. And for parents, that can be a concern.
The Internet is an incredible resource, but it is also the crime scene of the 21st century. The proliferation of social media platforms has been exploited by online sexual predators as well as identity thieves and other scammers. Children are particularly at risk.
Research shows that one in seven children – from the ages of 10 to 17 – using the Internet has received an unwanted sexual solicitation, and many are the target of scams that can lead to identity theft. And, children use the Internet more than any other age group.
Every day the attorney general’s office investigates, and works to bring to justice, sexual predators and scammers. But the best defense against Internet crimes by far is to empower parents with information to protect their children before their safety or privacy is compromised.
I recommend taking the following steps to help protect your child on the Internet:
? Place your home computer in a central location, such as a family room, to make it easier to monitor what websites your child is accessing.
? Use blocking, filtering and monitoring software to protect your child from potentially dangerous sites.
? Log your child onto the Internet yourself and keep the password a secret.
? Ask your Internet service provider about blocking services that prevent your child from accessing bulletin boards and websites you find objectionable.
? Instruct your child not to provide any personal information about him or herself or other family members without your permission.
? Advise your child not to use his or her full name when online
?Warn your child about strangers who attempt to set up meetings either online or in person.
? Encourage your child to tell you if something online makes him or her uncomfortable or frightened.
? Monitor your service bills or usage records to keep track of how much time your child is spending online.
Parents have to take an active role in protecting their children from online predators. You can educate yourself about the potential dangers on the internet by visiting: www.ag.ny.gov/publications/2011/Publications/Your_Childs_Digital_Life.pdf
You can report complaints about possible predators preying on children, by contacting the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force by calling: (877) 474-KIDS (5437). You can also post consumer-related Internet scams and file complaints on my web site: https://www.ag.ny.gov/internetsafety or calling 1-800-771-7755.
Of course as a parent, you know your child best. So talk to them, listen to them and make sure they understand that what happens in cyberspace can have real world consequences. Stay safe, and have a wonderful summer!
Eric T. Schneiderman is the Attorney General of New York State
