The Internet is an established part of the fabric of today's culture. An unfortunate byproduct of the Internet, however, is online pornography. The online pornography industry is growing and unfortunately, most teens (up to 90%) are exposed to it (most accidentally) while many other young people actually seek it out because it is so easy to access—and so enticing. Wise parents will tackle this issue with their kids—before online pornography becomes a problem. The following are some practical tips for parents on how to protect your kids:

• Educate yourself and your kids about the Internet. Today, most parents go online themselves. But, if you haven't yet, understand that the Internet is part of your child's world. So, become a student of the culture and take time to learn about the Internet and how it works. Then, share information with your kids about how to safely search for information, how to avoid searches that may lead to pornographic websites, and what kids should do if they encounter a one.

• Select and Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers server-based filtering (filtering at the ISP's location). Have the phone number of your ISP on hand in the event pornographic content makes it through the ISP's servers.

• Purchase over-the-counter or downloadable filtering software. If your ISP does not automatically filter out selected content, many good programs can be purchased or downloaded directly to your computer.

• Where Your Computer/Internet Access is Located Matters! In your home, limit where your kids have access to the Internet. Only allow your kids to surf the Internet in "public" areas of your home (high traffic areas such as the family room, for example.) Avoid providing Internet access for your kids in their bedrooms (via their laptop or desktop computer) where they might be easily tempted to access pornographic content.

• Set Internet usage rules with your family and post them near the computer. Before allowing your kids to go online, give them clear guidelines on what is acceptable Internet activity. Set limits on what websites they may visit, who they are allowed to contact and how long they are permitted to stay online. Parents must set and enforce rules. The most effective way parents can protect their kids from online pornography is to provide active supervision of Internet usage.

• Avoid sites that ask for personal information. It's likely that eventually, your child will encounter a website that will ask for personal information that may be shared publicly without your knowledge. Don't allow your child to frequent chat rooms with adult-oriented discussions or give out his or her name, address, or other personal information on the Internet.

• Report suggestive messages. Make it a rule in your home that kids are NEVER to respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene or make them feel uncomfortable. Require your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or contains pornographic content, identify the source of the message and notify your local police. It's also important to forward a copy of the message to your ISP and ask for its assistance in preventing future incidents.

• Recognize that your home is not the only place your child accesses the Internet. Internet use at friends' houses, at the library, in school and after-school care, or camp settings may not afford necessary and appropriate safeguards preventing the access of pornographic content. Talk to the adults who supervise these settings and find out what filtering safeguards they employ. Some technologically savvy kids have successfully bypassed filtering or controls on school and library computers without the knowledge of the adults who supervise these settings.

• If your child uses social networking websites like Facebook, make sure are involved. Make sure that privacy settings are used which limit access to your son or daughter's profile to their "friends" only. Make sure you are included on your child's "friend" list. And, make sure you have your child's password to these websites.

• Child pornography is a crime. Any pornographic depiction of a child is a crime. Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography, immediately report it to your local police. You should also notify your ISP immediately.

• Encourage the safe use of e-mail between your kids and their friends and family members, giving them less reason to communicate with someone they don't know. If your kids receive pornographic content via e-mail, make sure they notify you. If pornographic spam cannot be stopped through e-mail filters, change your son or daughter's e-mail addresses.

• Teach Your Kids about Healthy, Biblical Sexuality. One of the dangers about pornography is that it conveys a destructive and warped view of sexuality. As a parent, be sure that you are building a healthy, Biblical sexuality into the lives of your kids.

Last updated on 1/28/10