Computer Cookies

In the coming year the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) will go into effect putting restrictions on the amount and kinds of information commercial web sites can collect from kids. But keeping that personal information away from anyone who really wants it may be trickier than parents think.

All it takes, is for the child to give out that information once to a single web site. It can then be stored in a “cookie” for later access by anyone. Cookie files can include the users phone number, address, and credit card information, as well as when and where the user has been online. Once parents understand cookies, they can learn to control them to their advantage. They can be deactivated to protect privacy, or activated to secretly monitor where kids are spending their time online.

Kids are more trusting and naïve than adults and are more likely to share information on-line. "They say it's confidential and stuff like that so hopefully it is and nobody sees it," says fifteen year old Liz. "Children are always interested in expressing their opinions and so infrequently are they asked that when you do ask them (for info), they're going to give it to you…," says Jim Beach of American Computer Experience.

What Parents Can Do

You can help your children use the Internet safely by educating them and by establishing some rules for use. Some people suggest designing a contract or agreement that outlines these rules and that you post it near your computer.

If you use a service that has multiple log-on accounts there are features that can be turned on and off which are controlled through the master account. As long your children don’t know the password they can not change the restrictions that are imposed.

Some information that children should not give out on-line include real names, addresses, telephone numbers, school name or address, parents' names, work addresses, or telephone numbers. Children should also know not to send a photo of themselves to anyone.

You should also teach your children about harassing, suggestive and threatening communication, and let them know that they should never make plans to meet someone in person. If they do come in contact with someone who asks them to do so, or makes them uncomfortable they should tell you immediately.