Kids potentially at risk surfing the Web

Whether playing, shopping, studying or just Web surfing, today’s kids are taking advantage of all that the Internet has to offer. The World Wide Web is a great place for kids to learn, search, and play. But when it comes to their safety and personal information online, children are at risk. Parents need tools to protect their children, and the Federal Trade Commission has rules governing Web site operators to make sure that at least kids’ privacy is protected while they’re online. These rules are part of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA.

But the rules are too often broken by Web site operators and Internet criminals who prey on children. So the final responsibility falls to parents. Here are some tips that will help you to protect your child’s privacy and well-being.

First, make sure your browser is set so your child cannot access adult Web sites. This is no guarantee, but it helps. Periodically examine the record of sites your child has visited. Supervise your child’s time on the Internet, even if it means looking over his or her shoulder every ten minutes. For five decades, parents have often used TV as a baby sitter. Now many are using the Internet as a nanny. But the Internet is far more dangerous than TV.

Better your children be irritated than victims. Protecting their identities and privacy is a first step.

Look for a privacy policy on any Web site directed at children. The policy must be available through a “link” on the Web site’s home page and at each area where personal information is collected from kids. Web sites for general audiences that have a children’s section must post the notice on the home pages of the section for kids.

Read the policy closely to learn the kinds of personal information being collected, how it will be used, and whether it will be passed on to third parties.

If you find a Web site that doesn’t post basic protections for children’s personal information, e-mail them and ask for details about their information collection practices.

Decide whether to give consent. Giving consent authorizes the Web site to collect personal information from your child. You can give consent and still say no to having your child’s information passed along to a third party. Your consent isn’t necessary if the Web site is collecting your child’s e-mail address simply to respond to a one-time request for information.

Web site operators also need to let you know when they will be changing the terms of any consent agreement you have previously signed so you can decide whether to continue the agreement. The operators will let you know about the need for new consent by sending you a new notice and request. They will do this when they are changing the terms of use of the information in a “material” or significant way.

Ask to see the information your child has submitted. The site will ask you to verify your identity to ensure that your child’s information isn’t given out improperly.

Understand that you may revoke your consent at any time and have your child’s information deleted. To stop a Web site from collecting additional information from your child, you can revoke your consent. You also may ask a site to delete any personal information it has already collected from your child.

Parenting is tough enough as it is, and the Internet isn’t making it any easier. It’s not fun to play police officer with your children, they will fight like wildcats to force you out of their cyberspace. But if they don’t want you to supervise their time online, remind them who bought the PC, pays for Internet access, and writes the checks to the electric company. Remind them that YOU own the “off” switch and, if they don’t buy that, flip it. Hang tough.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT/The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.