Danger lurks everywhere for children on the web

By James Ratemo

Fraudsters have used the Internet to steal from bank accounts and swindle online shoppers.

Also shocking is the danger facing children who use the Internet unattended.

After fibre optic cables become operational, there will be increased Internet connectivity in homes and schools. This means children will have more access online thus high exposure to cyber criminals.

As they browse seeking information, entertainment and building social networks, they are also vulnerable to exploitation.

According to experts, children and young people are among the most prolific users of the Internet and mobile devices.

"We must create a healthy online environment for our children," says International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Secretary-General Hamadou TourÈ.

Parents should monitor what children do on the Internet or put restrictions on unsuitable content.

At a past interview, AccessKenya Head of Engineering, Mr Raymond Macharia, said parents should keep computers where they can monitor what children are browsing.

"Restrict your children from over using the Internet unless it is for useful purposes. Teach them on security measures like not divulging useful information to online strangers.

They should beware of impersonators," he said.

"Tell them not to open files from sources they do not know. Any suspicious pop up on the screen should be ignored since they could be carrying a virus."

security measures

Although browsers like Microsoft Explorer and Mozilla Firefox have their own security measures, users must ensure they have updated anti-virus and anti spam software to keep their computers safe.

In addition there are ways to filter or control what children can see and do online. One type of filter, called a ‘spam’ limits unsolicited e-mail including mail promoting sexually explicit material.

"Most programs can be configured by the parent to filter out sites that contain sexual content nudity, material that advocate the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco," he says.

Some can also be configured to prevent children from revealing information about themselves such as their name, address or telephone number.

Also, the latest versions of both Microsoft Windows (Vista) and Apple’s OS X have parental control tools that can limit what you child can do online. While children need a certain amount of privacy, Internet security experts strongly recommend parental involvement and supervision.

As a parent, if you are concerned about your children’s online activities, talk to them. Have open communication with your children, use computer resources, and get online to understand the potential dangers.

As one expert puts in on www.cybertline.com people online may not be who they seem. Because you can’t see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself.

online discussions

Experts concur that teenagers are particularly at risk because they often go online unsupervised and are more likely than younger children to participate in online discussions regarding companionship, relationships, or sexual activity.

A child may be exposed to material that is sexual, hateful or violent in nature, or encourages activities that are dangerous or illegal.

Children can consciously look for such material but may also encounter it on the web via E-mail, chat areas, social networking sites

Parents must be wary, as a child might arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members.

The danger is not only on the child’s safety but also on the electronic gadgets they use to go online.

A child can download a file containing a virus that could damage the computer or increase the risk of a "hacker" gaining remote access to the computer.