(KGTV)--If your kids are anything like mine, you're probably already concerned about the amount of time they spend online not to mention how safe they are while using the internet.
Fortunately, the Central Intelligence Agency has compiled a list of tips to keep your children safe while they're online.
- Instruct kids to never give out personal information such as their name, home address, school name or phone number in a chat room, on online bulletin boards or to online pen pals who you have never met in person
- Explain what anonymity is to your children and let them know that the internet provides anonymity, which can be used by people to misrepresent themselves.
- Tell your kids never to set up a meeting with someone without your permission
- Encourage children to tell you right away if anyone has made them feel uncomfortable or frightened online
- Forbid them from sending a personal picture to anyone without your advance permission
- Teach your kids how to create hard-to-guess passwords with at least 8 characters and using both letters and numbers
- Parents -- make sure your anti-virus software is updated frequently and install firewall protection, especially for high-speed use.
- Instruct your kids to never open attachments from senders who you, the parent, do not know
- Take the time to surf the internet with your kids and talk to them about the sites they visit
- Review the privacy policies of the websites and games your children regularly use and discuss with them the personal information that the sites collect.
Happy (and safe) surfing!
Sandy Coronilla is a KGTV digital producer. Follow her @10NewsSandy
