Helping Parents Keep Kids Safe On The Internet

Are your kids safe online? If you think they are, you may want to think again.

Recent studies reveal some shocking statistics. One in five young Internet users received an online sexual solicitation during a one-year period; and almost one in three gave out their home address.

Like most parents, you probably want to protect your children, but feel you lack the technical savvy to take action.

Fortunately, a group of companies and organizations has joined forces to form the Internet Keep Safe Coalition and a website, www.iKeepSafe.org.

At iKeepSafe.org, parents can access a free tool that guides them through the 10 technical actions they must take to protect their children online.

Developed in partnership with Internet security leader Symantec, the tutorial covers everything from filters and fraud, to safe surfing and searching, as well as how to track and monitor a child's Internet usage.

The iKeepSafe.org website includes a list of safety tips for kids, plus animated videos and games with safety information.

It also offers these helpful tips for parents:

-Keep the computer in a common room in the house and position the monitor so it's available for public viewing.

- Establish rules for using the Internet and teach children important safety guidelines.

- Use blocking software or filtering programs, but don't rely on them as your only line of defense.

- Teach children that people online are not always who they say they are.

- Frequently check the Internet history to see which sites your children are visiting.

- Monitor your children's e-mail account. Let them know you're doing it and why.

-Spend time with your children online. Have them show you their favorite sites.

- If you see anything suspicious or think your child may be a victim of Internet exploitation, call the police, the FBI or the National Center for Missing Children at (800) 843-5678.

Getting Kids To Brush Up On Proper Oral Hygiene

Though parents may have reason to smile at the recent improvements in dental care in the United States, tooth decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). It is five times as common as asthma in 5-17-year-olds, according to the association. And it affects more than one-fifth of American children aged 2-4, half of those aged 6-8 and nearly 60 percent of those aged 15, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Here are tips from the experts at HealthSaver, an emerging discount health service, and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the ADA:

1. A Good Cleaning. Your children may think they're old enough to brush their own teeth, but until they reach the age of 6, make sure to take command and brush their teeth for them at least twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved toothpaste. After age 6, continue to supervise brushing to make sure they reach every tooth and brush properly. Tooth care starts with the first tooth-brush your baby's gums and emerging teeth gently after each feeding with a toothbrush designed for infants and toddlers.

2. Visit Your Dentist. Visit a dentist as soon as your baby's first tooth appears and no later than age 1.

3. Drink Fluoridated Water. Water fluoridation can prevent up to 40 percent of tooth decay. Drinking water with fluoride is still the easiest and most effective way to fight tooth decay. If you're among the 40 percent of families without optimal levels of fluoridation in your municipal tap or well water, talk to your dentist about fluoridation options.

4. Don't Forget in Between. A toothbrush can't get into every nook and cranny so it's important to floss. You will have to floss for them; it's the only way to reach lingering food particles lurking between your child's teeth.

5. Eat Well. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, stays hydrated, and seeks healthy options for between-meal snacks. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle containing anything but water, and encourage use of a cup as the first birthday approaches.

HealthSaver is joining in the fight against cavities and promoting the benefits of a healthy smile. The health care discount service offers its members discounts of 10 to 35 percent off usual and customary fees for dental care services as well as discounts on prescriptions, alternative health care treatments and vision care.