E-mail

E-mail is the most common method of sending messages via the web, but there are some associated challenges. A great deal of so-called junk mail is distributed through e-mail, most of which is untargeted mass marketing. In addition to viruses, junk mail may contain material that is unsuitable for children, or links to such material. People can also use e-mail to send anonymous messages that consist of bullying or harassment.

Find out more in the Bullying on the web section.

What you can do:

Obtain a junk mail filter

You should obtain your child’s e-mail address from a provider that also provides virus protection for e-mail as well as automatic junk mail filtering. The majority of junk mail can be blocked using these solutions.

Only allow familiar senders

Perhaps the safest, yet also a rather restricted, way of using e-mail is to configure the e-mail program's settings in such a manner that your child will only be able to read mail that is sent from predetermined e-mail addresses. Many e-mail programs’ settings also allow you to block messages from specified persons.

Consider obtaining an anonymous e-mail address

E-mail addresses are often composed in the format forename.surname(at)domain.fi. However, your whole name is part of your personal information that should not be shared too freely. If your child wants to exchange e-mail messages with online friends, it may be wise to use an e-mail address that does not reveal your child’s name – e.g. nickname(at)domain.fi. A nickname that is used in online discussions should not, however, be used in an e-mail address. This type of address is also easier to give up should it be inundated with junk mail or other unpleasant messages. If you have a broadband connection in your home, several e-mail addresses are usually included in the service.