Warning Signs

Paying Attention to Computer and Online Habits Helps Keep Kids Safe

We all think the best of our kids and want the best for them. Computers and the internet have given kids access to more information, tools, and entertainment than most parents ever dreamed of having. And in today's world, having a PC and access to the Internet has become a necessity even for our children.

Most schools expect that kids can do homework assignments online. Kids communicate using chat groups and even share personal information on their own web sites like My Space. Unfortunately, there are a bunch of bad guys out there who watch how kids use the Internet and then exploit those vulnerabilities.

There are people online who are exposing your kids to everything from gambling, to porn, to meeting them at the mall. And they know what they are doing. So no matter how many times you talk to your kids about "safe surfing" and their use of the internet, you cannot assume that all is well. You are up against some of the best punks, predators, and pedophiles around. And it shouldn't surprise you if your kid falls victim to their traps.

There are certain warning signs you can watch out for that could indicate your child has a problem with Internet or chat room use. Bear in mind that you are looking for a general trend in behavior rather than any specific sign, but problems could be indicated by the following:

  1. Hiding computer CDs and disks. If they are hiding these things, there is something on them they don't want you to see.
  2. A quick change of what's on the computer screen when you enter the room. You walk in the room and they turn off the screen or quickly change to a different program or web site. Every now and then watch what your kids are doing. Ask questions and ask them to teach you a few tricks.
  3. Spending a lot of time on the Internet or being online late into the night. There is a lot of online activity at night. It could be innocent chatting or something more. Look for the glow of a computer screen in the middle of the night.
  4. Changes in behavior, for example: secretiveness, inappropriate sexual knowledge, mention of adults you don't know, and sleeping problems.
  5. Neglecting school assignments, avoiding normal social activities or withdrawing from the family. Spending more time online than in the real world could indicate a serious problem with gambling, porn, or and online predator.
  6. The Internet browser history is empty. Kids know computers and they know how to hide what they are doing. If the browser history is always erased, they don't want you know where they have been.
  7. Finding pornography or encrypted (coded) files on the computer.
  8. Your child receives mail or gifts from someone you don't know. This should be a big red flag and demands your immediate attention
  9. You find an extra Internet dial-up account on the computer. Kids know more ways than you are aware of to get online and access the internet. Let's face it. They are the experts when it comes to computers.
  10. Your credit card statement lists charges you didn't make or approve.