Kids should be careful not to share their passwords on the Internet. Kids' Internet Safety Guidelines http://www.ccmostwanted.com/kids/iguide.htm suggests that parents have a copy of passwords that children have for site access. Children may also need help in creating strong passwords. Passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols are stronger than passwords that use common words. It's dangerous for children to speak to strangers on the Internet. Children need to know that unsavory adults sometimes pose as young children to harm them. Under no circumstances should children agree to meet with someone they have met on the Internet.

Children should not share pictures, or use a webcam online. According to Cyber Angels, 27 percent of students have had spoken about sex online with a stranger. http://www.cyberangels.org/parents/facts.html The National Association for Missing and Exploited Children suggests that children be supervised while they are online. http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=208

However, merely supervising children while they are online may not be enough protection, because teens use code words so adults won't know what they are saying when they are online. For example, 9 means that a parent is watching, according to Net Lingo. http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.phpTeens also use CD9, which means Code 9, parents are around. http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.phpThe number 99 means that a parent is not watching.http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php Teens who aren't doing well in school, may use the code CICYHM, which means, "Can I copy your homework?"http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php

Although teens have their own special Internet language, there are programs available that will keep young children and teens out of certain sites. Net Nanny monitors instant message conversations and blocks sites that are inappropriate for children. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2254798,00.aspMonitoring software may be configured so pre-schoolers have stricter limitations than teens.

Protecting kids against adult predators is the main focus for Internet safety. However, teen cyber bullying is another real concern. Teens need protection against bullies online. Sending harassing messages and taunts are considered bullying. The police will respond to threats of bodily harm. http://teenadvice.about.com/od/schoolviolence/a/cyberbullying1_3.htm