Trend Micro TrendSetter January 2010

For many kids, online gaming is as much a part of everyday life as—well, cell phones and Twitter. Unfortunately, the anonymity of the Internet assures that online gaming will attract more players than just your innocent child. How can you help protect your child from cyberbullies, predators, and identity thieves?

First, make sure your child knows to keep private information private. Their screen name shouldn't reveal their real name, location, age, gender, or the name of their school. They should avoid talking about these personal identifying details in chats, as well. And they should never give out passwords or account information to anyone—even their best friend.

Second, the same principles of good sportsmanship apply online as well as off. Bullying should not be tolerated, whether your child is the victim or the perpetrator. And because it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) to truly make information disappear once it's on the Internet, you don't want your child misbehaving or acting unsportsmanlike in a forum or game. People start building their online reputations early these days.

Last, encourage your child to play with kids they know in real life. That minimizes the risk of coming across anonymous predators or bullies, and ensures that, just like the buddy system on field trips, kids stick together and share responsibility for looking after each other. Additionally, groups of friends all participating in the same game present a less appealing target for harassment than lone players.

As is so often the case when it comes to kids and Internet safety, the most important thing for a parent is simply to stay in the loop. Make sure you're familiar with what games they're playing and who they're playing it with. And if there's ever any doubt about what's allowed and what isn't, spell it out. Establish the rules of the road in writing.


Trend Micro Consumer Newsletter \| Security Tips, Tricks, and Updates		January 2010
	Safety Tips for Online Gaming For many kids, online gaming is as much a part of everyday life as—well, cell phones and Twitter. Unfortunately, the anonymity of the Internet assures that online gaming will attract more players than just your innocent child. How can you help protect your child from cyberbullies, predators, and identity thieves? First, make sure your child knows to keep private information private. Their screen name shouldn't reveal their real name, location, age, gender, or the name of their school. They should avoid talking about these personal identifying details in chats, as well. And they should never give out passwords or account information to anyone—even their best friend. Second, the same principles of good sportsmanship apply online as well as off. Bullying should not be tolerated, whether your child is the victim or the perpetrator. And because it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) to truly make information disappear once it's on the Internet, you don't want your child misbehaving or acting unsportsmanlike in a forum or game. People start building their online reputations early these days. Last, encourage your child to play with kids they know in real life. That minimizes the risk of coming across anonymous predators or bullies, and ensures that, just like the buddy system on field trips, kids stick together and share responsibility for looking after each other. Additionally, groups of friends all participating in the same game present a less appealing target for harassment than lone players. As is so often the case when it comes to kids and Internet safety, the most important thing for a parent is simply to stay in the loop. Make sure you're familiar with what games they're playing and who they're playing it with. And if there's ever any doubt about what's allowed and what isn't, spell it out. Establish the rules of the road in writing. < Back to main page
		Facebook Users are Sitting Ducks for Identity Theft Cisco Security Report Sees Social Media Risk UK Makes Online Safety Lessons for Kids Compulsory Web Attack on Twitter Is Third Assault This Year Fake IRS Emails Containing Malware Already Circulating

		Boost PC Performance With These 3 Simple Tips Is your PC slower than it used to be and is it frustrating you by crashing and slowing down? You don't need to put up with poor computer performance any longer. Read more >
		www.trendmicro.com
© 2010 by Trend Micro Incorporated. All rights reserved.