Teach Your Daughter to Shop Safely Online National Parents Center

Teach Your Daughter to Shop Safely Online

July 14, 2011 – 6:06 pm

Is your little diva begging to buy the latest fashions, music and game credits online? Thanks to prepaid credit cards, you no longer have to feel uneasy about letting your daughter shop online.

Prepaid credit cards will not allow your daughter to overspend, and they also protect her in the event of identity theft. These cards typically have an activation fee of $5 to $6. Make sure you choose a prepaid card that can be refilled without additional costs.

Microsofts Safety and Security Center says children age 15 and above should be allowed to shop online, but parental guidance should still remain in place until age 18.

Before you present your daughter with prepaid card, make sure shes savvy enough to handle this privilege.

• It is never a good idea to purchase from an online retailer who does not offer secure transactions. When using a secure network, the website address will start with https rather than http.

• Some stores offer free merchandise with the purchase of another product. Often, stores offering incentives will have the highest prices. A little online research can help your daughter determine whether the incentive is truly a bargain.

• We live in a society that demands immediate gratification. Explain to your daughter that patience pays when it comes to shipping. With next-day shipping averaging $30 at most national retailers, you definitely want to make certain your daughter understands the value of a dollar.

• Online codes can mean free domestic shipping or large percentages off an entire purchase. Explain that using discount codes will give her more bang for her buck.

• Strong passwords deter identity theft. While password requirements vary from site to site, most strong passwords require a combination of 8-14 letters and numbers. Explain why she should not use the same password for every website she uses.

• There are a number of reputable online services to help track spending. At a minimum, show your daughter how to log on to the prepaid credit card website so she can check her balance and verify charges. This is great practice for young girls. Teaching your daughter the importance of budgeting and accurate accounting is one of the most important life skills not being taught in public schools today.

• Counting coins and bills is a necessary skill, despite the fact debit and credit cards are so popular in todays society. When your daughter is shopping at a brick and mortar store, she needs to know if shes been given the correct change. And, when she gets old enough to have a job, she will need to know how to make change for her customers.

National Parents Center