Online and In Danger? How to Protect Yourself in the Virtual World

Cyberspace can pose a real threat to your family.

Twenty-five million American kids have been -- or are -- online. The number is staggering, but even more startling is that, according to recent data gathered by Safekeeper's partner The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 71% of teens online have received personal messages from someone they don't know, 45% have been asked for personal information from a stranger; and 34% have had unwanted or unsolicited exposure to inappropriate images.

Even more shocking to parents, 20% of kids have received a sexual solicitation over the Internet, 30% have considered meeting in person someone they met online, while 14% have actually done so. Approximately one million kids have received an aggressive sexual solicitation: someone asking to meet in person, calling on the telephone or sending snail mail, money or gifts.

Here's the problem: fewer than one in five kids who have experienced any of the above, have told a parent or guardian. When families don't talk about the threats, their kids may be at serious risk.

One tool to help keep families safe is Safekeeper -- a computer application which protects your family online as well as the family PC from cyberthreats. It's easy to set up and use, with a free 14-day trial download available here.

To help you discuss potential cyber threats, check out with your kids the new Nick special hosted by Linda Ellerbee this weekemd.

For 13 years on Viacom's Nickelodeon cable channel, Linda Ellerbee has smartly delivered topical news issues from the point of view of kids, specially tailored so kids can really understand.

By including kids in the story and the show studio, kids get to ask her the questions they want to know. Often, her programs create an opportunity for parents to talk about the subject more with their kids without embarrassment. Lasy year, she took on the issue of cyber-bullies.

This Sunday (December 10 at 8:30 EST), she takes on the subject of staying safe online and the threats of cyberspace to kids in a program called "Online and In Danger? How to Protect Yourself in the Virtual World."

Parents should watch this one with their kids. If you use email, you know how much unwanted spam and solicitation you recieve, including adult content. It's no different for your kids if they use email. Check out Ellerbee's new special this Sunday as she discusses with both experts on the Internet and kids the potential dangers and how to stay safe online.

Included on the show: Ernie Allen of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; Internet lawyer Parry Aftab; and Hemanshu Nigam, MySpace's chief security officer.