The Internet is a very social medium. In the United States, more than half of the adult population regularly goes online, and an even larger percentage of teens and preteens make the Internet a regular habit. Part of the habit includes taking steps to protect your privacy. If you don't, you could face all kinds of privacy problems, from junk emails to online predators.
Parents have two key roles in protecting their children's privacy, helping them to develop good online habits, and taking steps to make sure that any computer or online service that a child uses is set up to protect that child's private information. Knowing some of the basics about online privacy, and knowing what kind of information should be protected will help parents make the right choices when it comes to their child's online activities.
What Does Privacy Mean?
A simple definition of privacy in this context is the ability to control the type and amount of access others have to your personal information and the amount of control you allow others to have over your online experience.
Why Online Privacy Is Important
Keeping private and personal information under control is important to anyone who spends time online. If you or your family do not take steps at least some basic steps to protect your online privacy, you may be at increased risk from one or more of the following privacy-related hazards:
* Being sent large amounts of unsolicited email.
* Becoming a victim of identity theft.
* Exposure to large amounts of online advertising
* Unauthorized access to your computer or to an online account.
* Unauthorized bank or credit card activity.
Examples Of Private Information
Private information includes any information about your life or about your child's life that you would like to control. This is information that in the wrong hands could bring unwanted attention or that could put you or your child at emotional, financial, or physical risk. A partial list of that kind of information would include the following:
* Age
* Birth date
* Current or former address
* Current or former employers
* Current or former phone numbers
* Current or former schools
* Email addresses
* Financial information
* Gender
* Information needed to access computers, computer networks, or online services
* Lifestyle information such as travel schedules, group affiliations, clubs, favorite activities, and details about personal relationships
* Medical information
* Mother's maiden name
* Name, nickname, or initials
* Social Security number or other information from government-issued identification
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