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 na ve than adults and are more likely to share information on-line.
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. 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.