Moms Talk About Kids' Privacy Online

Parent #1: Look at that… kids just love playing outside, don't they?

Parent #2: Almost as much as my kids love playing indoors, especially on the computer.

Parent #1: It's amazing how fast they catch onto technology, isn't it?

Parent #2: Yeah, but I found that even with computers, you have to watch your kids carefully.

Parent #1: You mean when they're on the Internet, right?

Parent #2: Exactly. When my son is surfing, I want his personal and private information to be protected.

Parent #1: What do you mean?

Parent #2: There's a law that protects kids under 13 while they're online. Website operators have to ask if they can collect a child's personal information. Things like a kid's full name, address, telephone number, email address, or even their hobbies. They also have to put their privacy policy on the website.

Parent #1: I get it. That way, parents have to give their permission before websites can collect any information from their kids.

Parent #2: Exactly. It's protecting your child's privacy online. The same way you might watch over them on the playground.

Announcer: For information on protecting your child's privacy online, call the Federal Trade Commission toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP. Or visit www.ftc.gov.

January 2002