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@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@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.

Updated 17.02.2009