Each year millions of children get onto the internet hoping to find information they need for school projects, to chat with their friends, or to play online games. It’s important for us, as parents, to know about the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and what it means for the safety of our children.

The internet has become such a big part of everyone’s daily life. Children use it at school and public libraries to help them with school work, research, and for communicating with teachers or tutors. CIPA was established by the federal government to curtail access to offensive content on the internet at schools and libraries.

In order for schools and public libraries to receive discounts offered by the E-rate program they must certify that there are internet safety procedures and policies in effect. This normally includes using programs that block or filter internet access to pictures that are pornographic, obscene, or harmful to minors.

These entities must also certify that they are teaching children and teens about how to behave online, what cyber bullying is, and how to respond to it, as well as keeping their personal information private while online. Schools, in particular, are also required to enforce policies that will monitor any activity on the internet by minors. This includes email, chat rooms, and instant messaging as well as maintaining a history of all internet usage at the school by minors.

It’s unlikely that young children will even realize that the CIPA rules are being enforced because they’re unlikely to purposely look for inappropriate content on the internet. However, teens and adults that have access to the same computers as younger children may access sites that would be deemed in violation to the CIPA rules. Because this is a possibility, schools and libraries often block other internet websites as a means to comply with CIPA regulations.

While you’re not required to follow the regulations set forth by the CIPA law in your own home, there are things you can do to keep your children safe while they use the internet.

• Consider purchasing internet-blocking software to install on all computers in your home. You may be able to find free alternatives; however, you may find the commercial software will suit your needs better.
• Keep lines of communication open with your children and teens concerning internet usage. Be sure to let them know how important it is to never share personal information such as their name, age, birth date, and location.
• Put the computer in a common room where there is plenty of traffic so there can be little chance of their hiding their online activities.
• Discourage the use of webcams except with family members or very close friends.

If you’re concerned about your child using the internet, understanding the Children’s Internet Protection Act can help you feel better about your children accessing the internet at school or in the public library. You can know that they are protected from being exposed to inappropriate content and predators. This law can help you and your family feel better about the internet and your child’s safety.