Internet Safety is an important part of the digital age for anyone that has children old enough to be surfing the internet.  This doesn’t just mean connecting to the internet through the family computer.

There are a multitude of ways to connect to the internet these days, from internet-enabled cell phones, online games, gaming consoles (xbox, xbox360, Wii, PS3, etc).  Additionally, it doesn’t necessarily protect you simply because you have strict rules in your house or you monitor what your children do. 

For example, you might have strict internet usage polices at home, but that doesn’t mean the neighbor’s do as well.  That doesn’t mean your child wont be able to access the internet unrestricted at a friend’s house.  With WiFi hotspots practically everywhere, a child with a laptop can connect virtually anywhere if they exhibit a little persistence.

What does this mean as parents?  It means you have to go the extra mile to stay informed, educate your children to obvious (and not so obvious) dangers, and take the steps necessary to stay ahead of the curve.

Online services such as Family Watchdog help keep you informed about predators in your neighborhood, or surrounding areas.  These types of tools are invaluable and I highly recommend them.  However, use them for what they are:  tools in the arsenal, not the entire weapon’s chest.  Just because Family Watchdog or similar service doesn’t report a sexual predator in your area doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  It simply means they haven’t been caught, or perhaps they are passing through the area.  Always keep a watchful eye, and understand that there are dangers out there that we all need to be aware of.

A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety is a great way to get informed and stay educated with regard to the dangers children face both online and offline.  Everything from hackers to scam artists, cyber-bullies to online predators are covered and explanations on how to use tools like Family Watchdog are covered in detail.

It’s up to each of us to protect our families, so no matter where you decide to get educated about the online dangers our children face; get educated somewhere.