Kids.gov safe site for kids to surf

WASHINGTON (9/11/07)--After days of summer sun, swimming and relaxing, and with the beginning of a new school year, kids will spend more time on the computer. Take steps to make sure your kids stay safe online. Check out a newly designed family-friendly site from the U.S. government (Federal Citizen Information Center Aug. 28).

Roughly 30 million children use the Internet today, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. While the Internet is a valuable resource for schoolwork and learning, parents must use caution about what sites their kids visit--the Internet also is a place where sexual predators and identity thieves lurk and kids bully other kids. Involved parents can minimize the risks to keep their kids safe.

Kids.gov, a website from the Federal Citizen Information Center, Pueblo, Colo., is one site that parents can be sure is safe. The site has links to more than 1,200 Web pages from government agencies, schools and educational organizations. The site features 20 topic areas--from arts and music to space and history--as well as activities for children from kindergarten to eighth grade.

"When it comes to children, parents and the Federal Citizen Information Center share a common goal--to keep youngsters safe while they learn and have fun online," says Mary Levy, director of the center's consumer information and outreach area. "Parents and caregivers can trust that the sites on Kids.gov are safe, educational and fun. We even have a special message, 'Just for Kidz,' put together by the Federal Trade Commission to help children stay safe while they're surfing."

To help keep your kids safe online, CUNA's center for personal finance urges parents to:

• Keep the computer in a busy room so you can monitor your child's use.
• Set clear rules about computer use and enforce consequences for misuse.
• Tell children to never give out personal information such as name, age, grade, school, address, phone number, photos, e-mail address, or credit card information without your permission.
• Keep an eye out for changes in your child's behavior, such as secretiveness, inappropriate sexual knowledge, or difficulty sleeping. Address concerns right away.

If you discover that someone is attempting to exploit, entice, or threaten your child online, contact your local police and the Cyber Tip Line at (www.cybertipline.org) or 800-843-5678.

For more information, read "Keep Kids Safe Online" in Home & Family Finance Resource Center.

courtesy of cuna.org