Internet Safety: Protecting Children & Teens Online

The Good and the Bad of the Internet

The Internet plays a major part in our lives, offering many benefits to children and young people. However, there are also risks associated with being online. Below are videos discussing the benefits and risks for children and young people using the Internet.

Internet Worms

These independent virtual viruses spread through the Internet, break into computers, and replicate. Internet worms can be included in any type of virus, script, or program. Unlike Trojans or other viruses that require user intervention to spread, Internet worms can spread on their own.

Grooming

Grooming in the real world can take place in various locations: at home, in the neighborhood, at school, in youth and sports clubs, or at church. Online grooming involves individuals forming relationships with children and pretending to be their friend. They gather information about their potential victim and try to assess the likelihood of the child telling someone. They often pretend to be younger or even change their gender. Many provide false physical descriptions or send pictures of other people, pretending it is them. Groomers may also seek out potential victims through personal websites such as social networking sites.

How is Online Grooming Different?

Online grooming is often faster and anonymous, leading children to trust an online ‘friend’ more quickly than someone they meet face-to-face. Those intending to harm children sexually can easily access information about them and hide their true identity, age, and gender. They are not restricted by time or accessibility as they would be in the ‘real world’.

Keep Young People Safe Online

Here are five key reminders for young people to be SMART online:

• S – SAFE: Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information – such as your name, email, phone number, home address, or school name – to people you don’t know online.
• M – MEETING: Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’/carers’ permission and when they can be present.
• A – ACCEPTING: Accepting e-mails, IM messages, or opening files from people you don’t know or trust can be dangerous – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
• R – RELIABLE: Someone online may be lying about who they are, and information you find on the internet may not be reliable.
• T – TELL: Tell your parent, carer, or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.