Keeping Kids Safe Online Internet Safety Laws A federal law has been created to protect your child online. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires websites to explain policies on their privacy, and to acquire parental permission before obtaining any personal information on the child. Also, this law prohibits a site from requiring a child to provide more personal information than necessary to play a game or contest. Even with this law, your child's best online protection is YOU! Online Tools to Protect Your Child Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide parental control options that block inappropriate material. There is software that can block your child's ability to log into certain sites. Filtering programs can block sites from coming in or block your child's personal information from being sent online. There are also programs to track and monitor your child's online activity. Create a screen name to protect child's real identity. Chat Room Caution A chat room is a virtual online room where a chat session takes place. Chat rooms are hazardous to kids because they are frequented by pedophiles (adults sexually interested in children), posing as teenagers. These predators push for personal information, regarding name, age, and address, potentially putting children and their families at risk. Warning Signs that Your Child May Be a Victim Child is spending long hours online Phone calls from people you don't know or unsolicited gifts in the mail Child shuts off computer when you walk in the room Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activites For More Information on Online Safety, Check Out These Sites Netsmartz Workshop i-SAFE,The Leader In Internet Safety Education Webwise Kids