Keeping kids safe on the internet
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Author Christina Kilbourne spoke to a group of about 25 residents, during an internet safety seminar at Honourable Earl Rowe Public School in Bradford last week.

The internet is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for kids to play, according to the author of a book on online safety.

Christina Kilbourne, author of Dear Jo, a fictional book that deals with internet exploitation, spoke to a group of about 25 parents and grandparents during a presentation at Honourable Earl Rowe Public School in Bradford last week. Kilbourne and South Simcoe Police Service Constable Debbie Smith both spoke about the necessity of protecting children from internet predators.

About 20 per cent children have been solicited for sex online. And 26 per cent of children believe their parents would be concerned if they fully disclosed their online activities, said Kilbourne.

"Most people my age don't know as much about the internet as their kids do," she said. "It's all just second nature to the young people. But just because they're really technically savvy doesn't mean that they're socially savvy. As parents, that's where we have to come in (and prevent children) from putting themselves at risk. It's up to parents to get up to speed with what their kids are doing.

"It's intimidating for a lot of adults."

The event - which was hosted by the police service, the school, the Gilford Lions Club and Peoples Credit Union - aims to bring awareness to some of the dangers children could experience while surfing the internet, said principal Tom Dorsey.

"This is a critical topic nowadays," he said. "(It seems like) once a week you see something in newspapers on the internet and the trouble it causes. The reason for this is internet safety and what parents can do to protect their children from the problems that can take place.

"There are so many wonderful things that the internet can do, I see it everyday, but there's also problems associated with it. With some steps parents can take, they can go a long way towards protecting their kids."

Kilbourne says there are several ways parents can protect their children online. Parents should ensure their child picks a safe online identity, and avoid using their real name, age, gender, location and phone number, or discussing interests.

"I talk a lot about kids profiles, how to keep them safe online with their e-mail or instant messaging profiles and what not to reveal," she said. "I go through a lot of what if scenarios. It's good to teach kids that if they get something from a stranger, they don't have to be polite and answer it. We're encouraging parents to get their kids to use the safety features and settings."

Parents can also invest in computer control software, and set internet filter specifications to reduce risks, said Kilbourne.

Jack Ross, of the Lions, says the presentation is the second in a series of general safety seminars being hosted by the club.

"We had the idea that it would be useful to hear someone who was knowledgeable in this area," he said.

"We had a seminar last year on the internet and identity theft. We're all interested in bringing information about topics of interest to the community. We will probably be doing another one in September."