2/3 of Parents Worried About Kids on Internet

Are you worried about your child's safety on the Internet? If so, you're not alone.

About 67% of parents are worried about their children's safety on the Internet, according to a new FindLaw.com survey.

Still, 20% of parents surveyed said they were "not very worried" and 14% said they were "not worried at all."

What are some of the most popular methods to control Internet usage and safeguard children?

A number of parents choose to monitor their children's web browsing. Other parents use site-blocking software, or restrict access to computers and social networks. Some parents take their monitoring a step further by reading their kids' emails or social posts. About 8% of parents polled said they forbade Internet usage of any kind.

These methods may work, too. Parents who monitor or restrict their child's web browsing may help prevent and identify potential dangers.

What else can parents do to help keep their kids safe?

• Parents might want to discuss acceptable Internet usage with kids. For example, explain to your children what sites they should use for online research for school projects.
• Parents may want to warn children against accepting messages over the Internet from strangers.
• If computers are located in a child's room, parents may want to consider moving the computer to a common area for easier monitoring.

Teaching your kids about Internet safety can go a long way. Parents concerned about their child's safety on the Internet might want to enforce some computing ground rules at home.

Related Resources:

• Online Safety for Kids (FindLaw)
• Internet Safety: Is it Safe to Post Photos of Your Kids Online? (FindLaw)
• Parenting Tips and Keeping Your Child Safe (FindLaw)
• 7.5 Million Underage Facebook Users (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)