Internet Safety

Protecting Children on the Internet

"Our children are growing up in the midst of a technology boom that touches almost every moment of their lives. Between cellphones, gaming devices, computers, and an ever-growing number of social media apps, kids are constantly connected to platforms that can be a hunting ground for online predators, who get more savvy and sophisticated all the time."

                                                                                                     United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha

Click here to view an important public service announcement about "sextortion." 

Top tips from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency to help keep kids safe online

• Set rules and warn about dangers - Make sure your child knows the boundaries of what they are allowed to do on the computer. These boundaries should be appropriate for the child's age, knowledge, and maturity, but they may include rules about how long they are allowed to be on the computer, what sites they are allowed to visit, what software programs they can use, and what tasks or activities they are allowed to do.
• Monitor computer activity - Be aware of what your child is doing on the computer, including which websites they are visiting. If they are using email, instant messaging, or chat rooms, try to get a sense of who they are corresponding with and whether they actually know them.
• Keep lines of communication open - Let your child know that they can approach you with any questions or concerns about behaviors or problems they may have encountered on the computer.

What to do if your child is targeted online

• Immediately report suspected online enticement or sexual exploitation of a child by calling 911, contacting the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, or filing a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or report.cybertip.org.
• Call the Know2Protect tip line at 1-833-591-KNOW.
  • All information received via the tip line will be reviewed by appropriate personnel and referred to HSI field offices for potential investigation.
• Call 1-800-843-5678 or submit a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Important information for kids and parents to review together 

Additional Resources

How the FBI Can Help

Homeland Security Investigations Project Guardian

Back to School, Back to Safety - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Interactive Games and Information for Children