Online safety for children

We work with the Massachusetts attorney general to educate consumers on a variety of topics.

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Learn how you and your children can stay safe while using the Internet.

Still have questions? Contact:
Consumer Affairs

617-635-3834

send an email

1 City Hall Square
Room 809

Boston, MA 02201
United States

Keeping Your Children Safe

Millions of young children use the Internet daily. Parents need to know about the dangers the Internet poses to children. Studies show that:

one out of every 17 children feel threatened or harassed online
one out of every five children receive sexual solicitation online, and
one in four children see unwanted sexual material.

Children don't always tell their parents when these incidents happen, so parents should track how their children use the Internet.

Follow these tips to protect your children when they're online:

Keep your computer in a common area like the living room. It’s easier to keep an eye on your children.
Check the history button on your Internet browser to see which websites your children are visiting.
Check for open applications along the bottom of your computer screen. There may be hidden ones that your children don’t want you to see.
Never allow your child to send pictures without your permission.
Tell your child not to open an email unless it's from someone they know.
Enable parental controls on your computer and browser.
Teach your children to never give out personal information, including names and addresses, phone numbers, school names, and any information that can identify them.

What else can you do?

Make sure your child tells you right away if they see something that makes them uncomfortable. Report these situations to your Internet Service Provider or the police if necessary. Your child also needs to know that things they say or do online can hurt other people, too. They should be careful about what they post. Some children have even been charged for committing crimes online.