About the Internet

The Internet is a fascinating tool, but it can also be dangerous. Since Internet Technology grows faster than most can keep up with, policing the "net" is a tough job. The Internet itself is a global network of computers that use similar protocols that allow information to be transmitted back and forth at an amazing rate. No individual, company or government control the Internet. Federal agencies such as the RCMP and FBI have dedicated staff working on Internet crime - everything from hate literature and pornography to fraud.

Computer crime happens all the time and is not controllable. In fact, much of the computer falsehoods that occur cannot be traced, nor charges laid. Because the technology is moving so fast, police have a hard time keeping up. The Internet is a fascinating and useful tool, but all the things you may try to shield your child from may be just a keystroke away.

What are the risks?

There are many risks and security issues involving the use of the Internet.  Because one has the opportunity to remain anonymous online, anyone can enter a chat room or send e-mail messages and portray themselves how they want.  They can make up an age, occupation, physical attributes - even their sex. This can be extremely dangerous.

Take a convicted pedophile for instance. A man can go on the Internet, enter a chat room where young adults tend to migrate, such as chat rooms about rock stars, movie idols, video games, etc., and proceed to introduce himself as a 14-year-old female. He can ask any person online to enter a private room so they can chat alone via computer. It is very easy to mislead a young person who believes they are communicating with a peer with similar interests.

Many young adults and children know a lot more about Internet technology than their parents. Children learn about computers and the Internet in schools.  It is important parents gain a basic understanding of the Internet, how it works, and what your children can access.

How can you reduce the risk?

What parents can do:

• Monitor the amount of time your child spends online. Move the computer out of the bedroom and into the family room or living room to allow better monitoring and access to the computer.
• Learn about the Internet and find out what your children are doing on the internet.
• The popularity of “texting” has increased over the past several years. Cryptic looking codes are commonly used for instant messaging, text messaging, chat rooms, and on blogs. These abbreviations are used by people to communicate with each other.
• Know that ".gif" and ".jpg" pictures can be downloaded and viewed and be aware of what your child is looking at on the computer.
• Ask your children about people they may have met in cyberspace. Talk to your children about what and who could be on the other end and how some people abuse the system.
• Ask what websites your children visit, what types of chat rooms, e-mail and messages your child is sending and receiving online.
• Find out about filtering software that is available to block out certain sites and material.  If you are concerned about your child visiting a certain site or chat room, a block can be placed to prevent your child from logging on to that site.  However, don't feel completely safe with a block. New websites pop up every day and many pornographic or hate-filled sites have simple names that don't give away their content, and some websites are even named to attract children and young adults.
• Ensure your child does not give out personal information on the computer. Have them use a code name.
• Create a password for your computer that is hard to guess but easy to remember and change it often.
• Monitor your credit card bills for any unanticipated purchases that may have been made online.

What users should know:

• Use a code name and keep personal information, such as your address, telephone number, parents' place of work, or the name or location of your school, private.
• Always talk to your parents before ever agreeing to meet someone you met online, they may not be who they say they are.
• If a message or chat room becomes uncomfortable, do not respond and log out of that site.
• Report any harassment or inappropriate messages to your online server, who have their own set of ethical standards and welcome information from users, or to police.
• Often chat room and relationships that are formed in them are not criminal cases that police can control.  However, if you have concerns that something may be illegal, please call police.