"72 per cent of parents believe their children use the Internet safely, but danger can lurk online."

Microsoft Canada/Ipsos-Reid Survey

Press Coverage

Parents can help kids enjoy the Internet safely

Barrie Advance
February 8, 2007

While many parents are sure to buckle up their children in the car, and make sure they wear a helmet when riding a bike, there is one area they may not protect them because they are unaware of the risk.

According to a recent Microsoft Canada/Ipsos-Reid Survey, 72 per cent of parents believe their children use the Internet safely, but danger can lurk online.

Almost a third of children aged 10 to 14 spend six to 10 hours a week online. The survey showed 11 per cent of children 10 to 14 have been asked by a stranger for personal information.

To help bring attention to the potential dangers, the Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance (KINSA) declared Wednesday (Feb. 7) Safer Internet Day.

The organization is calling on governments to help protect children from online preditors through legislation. It is calling for penalties for exploiting teens aged 14 and 15.

It is also working at educating parents, children, Internet providers and others of the dangers and how to protect young surfers.

KINSA vice-chairperson Paul Gillespie will be bringing the message to today’s Take Back The Net presentations put on by Microsoft Canada.

Parents are also encouraged to know what their children are doing online and to talk to them about the potential dangers.

You can also help your kids create a surf smart mascot for a chance to win a Crayola prize pack worth $100.

For details on how to enter, check out www.popmagazine.com.

For more information on the Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance, visit www.kinsa.net.

Here are five SMART tips to share with your kids to help keep them safe while surfing:

• Secure your identity. Never give out your name, age, address, phone number or other personal information to strangers or websites unless your parent or caregiver has given you permission to do so.
• Make arrangements to meet with friends, but never strangers over the Internet. Cyberspace can be full of creepy people claiming to be your friend. Never take risks when it comes to your safety.
• Accept e-mails, files and instant messages ONLY from people you know. Always delete anything you get from a stranger as it may contain viruses or other nasty attachments.
• Remember, not everyone tells the truth online. Someone claiming to be 12 years old might actually be a full-grown adult. Never trust strangers, no matter how persuasive they are.
• Tell your parent or caregiver if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened.

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