Protecting Children on the Net Back to Computers Protecting Children on the Net Protecting Children on the Net Interactive technology has provided children with new opportunities for learning, communicating and playing. But both parents and children should be aware that the Internet has joined television, print and other media as an important component of today's marketing campaigns, which are increasingly focused on using consumer information to build individual relationships.
Most children are more cyber-savvy than their parents are.
They tend to have a trusting and curious nature that can lead them to give up their personal information without realizing it. The Canadian Marketing Association recently introduced amendments to its Code of Ethics to ensure that information-based marketers respect children's right to privacy. Explain to your children why privacy is important, and how to protect it. You've taught them not to talk to strangers, so you should extend that rule to environments both in and outside the home. Make it clear to your child that he or she should ask for your permission before surrendering any information about themselves or their family on the Web, over the telephone or in a survey or contest entry.