Keep children safe online

Have you ever wondered what your kids are looking at online? According to the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, 54% of children frequently have private conversations with online strangers through instant messaging.

More astounding, 1 in 3 have experienced cyber bullying.

How can you as parents make sure your children are safe online?

You can keep your children safe without seeming to impose on their privacy.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act was created to protect children younger than 13 in online activities. It protects by ensuring parents and guardians consent to the collection, use and disclosure of their child’s personal information.

Even with laws like this, I encourage parents to get involved in your child’s online activity.

·Keep computers in a high-traffic area of your home.

·Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.

·Remember that internet technology can be mobile, so make sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices and laptops.

·Bookmark kids’ favorite sites for easy access.

·Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.

·Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 if you’re aware of the transmission, use or viewing of child pornography online.

As an Internet provider, our company, Windstream, takes Internet safety seriously.

That’s why we offer security packages to give parents peace of mind and confidence knowing your child’s personal information is protected.

For more information on how to protect your kids online visit, www.windstream.com