Digital Safety

Women for Decency © 2012 All rights reserved





			HOME OUR MISSION CONTACT NEWSLETTER LOGIN

Computer and Digital Device Safety

One of the most significant challenges we face is that an entire generation of children is navigating life in an online world with which we—as parents and caregivers—have had very little experience.

Today, any computer-literate child can view anything, from adult pornography to graphic videos, online chats, virtual sex parties, user-generated porn, and pornography that is illegal and prosecutable, free of charge.

79% of youth unwanted exposure to pornography occurs in the home.
Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years later, 2006

Here are some helps to protect you and your loved ones:

Set parental controls at the age-appropriate levels and use filtering and monitoring tools as a complement--not a replacement--for parental supervision.
Keep computers and all devices that receive internet in high-traffic areas of the home preferably without doors, such as kitchens and family rooms. Position computer monitors so the screen faces outward for public view. Help children understand why this is important.
Commit the time necessary to setup and monitor each device.
Vigilance is required, even after taking initial precautions.

Internet Filter Resources has recommended free and paid software and filters for protecting your family.

	Millions of kids view pornography daily. The average age of first exposure is nine.

Gaming Safety

Online games are more than a form of entertainment. Using instant chat features, forums, and voice-enabled interactions, children can communicate and collaborate with gamers all over the world. Some people take advantage of this anonymity to target children, sending inappropriate content, or even arranging in-person meetings.

Some game consoles allow internet access as well.

Tips for Gaming Safety

digita1 Cell Phone Safety

Children can send and receive images, emails, texts, and instant messages from their phones. Consider cell phones as an extension of the internet and employ the same safeguards.

Mobile Device Options
Parental Controls for Cell Phones
Tips for Cell Phone Safety
What is "Sexting"?

Social Network Safety
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, Friendster, Flickr, Bebo, etc.

Unfortunately, some of the information kids post on their pages make them vulnerable to phishing scams, cyberbullying, and predators. They should understand that many of these pages can be viewed by anyone.

How to help your kids use social websites more safely

11Tips for Social Networking Safety

More Tips for Social Network Safety

Minor Monitor monitors your child's Facebook activity

SafetyWeb is a fee-based service that sends parental alerts on social network sites, monitors cell phone calls and text messages

Television Safety

It's tough to monitor TV viewing all the time. Use the parental controls in your cable or satellite service to block programs by channel, title, rating, time or date. You can also block pay-per-view and video on demand purchases.

Click the "Menu" or "Settings" button to begin. Contact your service provider for detailed instructions.

Reviews of TV Filtering Products

Tips for Television Safety

Blogging Safety

Blogs are a type on online journal that children use to share their thoughts and feelings in written, image, or video format. Risks include not using privacy settings, posting intimate details, being targeted by predators and cyberbullies.

Tips for Blog Safety

Email, IM, Chat Room Safety

Email accounts are often necessary for school activities, social networking sites, online games, and virtual worlds. Sites like Facebook often have IM and email components. This allows children to connect with people they have not met in person, making them vulnerable to online predators, cyberbullies, and scam artists.

Tips for Email, IM, Chat Room Safety
Chatdanger informs young people about the dangers in chatrooms

	Additional resources Kid-Friendly Search Engines help prevent kids from coming across inappropriate material. PBS.org has additional tips for positive and safe online experiences for kids. Netzmartz Internet Safety Presentations free presentations tailored for different age groups available for download, produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Netsmartz Safety Basics Videos available to view online. Chatdanger informs young people about potential dangers online with chatrooms, instant messenger, games and email.