Helping teenagers with online safety is difficult because they often know more than their parents about Internet software. Yet, even with older kids, it's important for parents to take an active role in guiding their children's Internet use.

Teens use social networking Web sites such as Windows Live Spaces, MySpace, Friendster, Facebook, and others, download music, use instant messaging (IM), e-mail, and play online games. They also actively use search engines to find information on the Internet. Most teens have visited chat rooms and many have participated in adult or private chats. Boys in this age group are more likely to push the boundaries by looking for gross humor, gore, gambling, or explicit adult sites. Girls may be more likely to chat online and therefore may be more susceptible to being sexually solicited online.

Here are some tips to help keep your teens safe online:

Keep Lines of Communication Open

• Continue to keep communication with your teenage kids as open and positive about computers as you can. Keep talking with them about their online lives, friends, and activities, just as you would about other friends and activities.
• Encourage your teens to tell you if something or someone online makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Stay calm and remind your kids they are not in trouble for bringing something to your attention. (It is important that your teen does not think that their computer privileges could be taken away.)

House Rules

• Create a list of Internet house rules with your teens that are to be strictly adhered to, including the kinds of sites that are off limits, Internet hours, and guidelines for communicating with others online, including in chat rooms. It is imperative to teach your teens never to give out personal information or post photos of themselves online without your permission.
• Keep Internet-connected computers in an open area and out of your teens' bedrooms and review online activity reports. Parents should remember to keep their own passwords secure, so that teens cannot sign in as parents.
• Talk to your teenagers about online adult content and pornography, and direct them to positive sites about health and sexuality. As well, discuss online gambling and its potential risks with your teens. Remind them that it is illegal for them to gamble online.

Report Inappropriate Content or Communications

Remember there is a reporting link on every page of this website at the bottom left. If you encounter child pornography or any activity related to, inappropriate e-mailing or the sexual exploitation of children on or offline, you can report it.