How Can I Protect My Kid From Internet Pornography?

Margo C: Dear Mr. Walsh, As a concerned parent, how can I protect my children from internet pornography? It seems to be everywhere, and so easily accessible.

JW: There are plenty of fun and educational things for kids to check out on the internet. But unfortunately, you’re right; there are also a lot of dangerous people out there who could gain access to our kids through the web. The experts at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) remind us that as parents we have to keep a close eye on what our kids are doing online all the time. You should use filtering software to try to block inappropriate material from your kids, but you should also keep the computer in a highly visible, common area of your home. Talk to your kids about what sites they like to visit, and make sure they know to come to you right away if they come across anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable. If you do find something inappropriate online that targets kids, make sure to report it to NCMEC’s Cybertipline. This hotline is supported by the FBI, Department of Justice, and the US Postal Inspection Service in the fight against child exploitation. Your report will become accessible to federal and local authorities as well as Internet Service Providers, who will all work together to track these creeps down and keep them away from your kids.