How Mommies Stay Safe Online

Just type "mommy message board" in Google or another search engine and you'll know there are plenty of places Moms (and Dads) can get together online to talk.  Sharing experiences with others is a fun and helpful part of the Internet.  Since so many aspects of parenting are universal, the joys, fears and questions of being a parent can transcend borders.  After all, parents in England or Germany have many of the same questions as someone in Indiana or New York.

With the power of the Internet, however, comes a few risks.  This article lists 8 things you should know as you go online.  Your computer and your privacy are at stake!

Tip 1 - Don't Always Expect Privacy

Even if you are posting in a message board that doesn't have a lot of people posting, search engines such as Google can read the messages and save them for the future.  BeAMommy.com is like most message boards: while you have to register to post a message, anyone can read the public messages.  Because of this, remember not to put personal information in public messages.  Leave things like your address and phone number to more private methods of communication, such as email. 

Tip 2 - Keep Your Computer Safe

Any computer connected to the Internet needs to stay clear of hackers, virus and spyware.  The best ways to do this are to keep your computer's operating system up-to-date.   If your computer is running Windows XP, make sure it has downloaded all of the latest updates.  Instructions on how to do this can be found at Microsoft.com.  Also make sure you are using an up-to-date Web browser.  Internet Explorer 7 is the latest from Microsoft, although Firefox works great as well.

Tip 3 - Use a Safe Email Address

To protect your privacy, consider not using an email address from your employer.  There are plenty of free email accounts available from places such as Google and Yahoo.

Tip 4 - Be Careful of Medical Advice

Trying to get pregnant can be tough, and there are plenty of places online selling pills, herbs and medical advice.  Other places give lots of advice out for free.  Just remember that while there is a lot of great information online, you need to judge its accuracy on your own (or with your doctor).

Tip 5 - Don't Download Strange Programs

If someone sends you a file and you don't know who they are, don't open it.  Only download programs from people or companies you trust.  Or consider using online applications.  For example, at BeAMommy.com, our fertility tools do not have to be downloaded to your computer.  You simply use them through your Web browser.

Tip 6 - MySpace is Everyone's Space

Social sites such as MySpace.com can be a great way to stay in touch with friends, but remember that if you make information public and share your real name, anyone can see it - including your future boss!

Tip 7 - Mommies (and Those Hoping to be Mommies) Need Extra Caution

Fertility and parenting can sometimes be sensitive subjects, often involving medical issues and personal information.  While you can often be anonymous on the Internet, don't share something you'd later regret.  In the same manner, don't forget to respect others you meet.  Perhaps they've been rude, or they don't reply to your messages.  But remember, they may have screaming newborn twins at home!

Tip 8 - Have Fun!

Don't let fears of hackers, viruses, weirdos and worse keep you from having fun online.  The Internet is full of great people to share your fertility and parenting journey with.  At BeAMommy.com, we sometimes wonder how parents in the past made do without the Internet!