The Internet has created and exciting new world of information and communication for anyone with access to a computer. While this world offers unparalleled opportunities for children and adults to explore and learn about almost anything, some risks and dangers exist for children as they travel though cyberspace. This may include access to illegal content on the web or receiving inappropriate and unsolicited email or chat messages. In addition, individuals who prey on children have quickly adapted to the online community and often use computers to seek unsupervised access to and contact with children.
Here are some online safety tips you can use to help protect you and your children:
1. Establish rules for internet use
- What sites can your child visit?
- Who can they talk to?
- How long will they be online?
- Where can they use a computer?
2. Keep the computer in a common room (not a child’s bedroom)
3. Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused while online.
4. Communicate
- Prepare yourself beforehand
- Talk and be open with your kids and teens
- Keep your cool. Be cool. Encourage them to confide in you
5. Be informed
- Learn everything you can about the internet
- Ask your kids to show you places they go
- Learn chatroom lingo by going to www.cybertipline.com for a list of acronyms
- Know what other access your child may have including text messages
6. Consider safeguarding options
- Check out blocking, filtering, and rating applications
- Learn about filtering and monitoring software and when to use them
7. CyberTipline
8. Know who your children talk to online
9. Check your children’s email address for appropriateness
10. Don’t post your child’s email address in any directory
11. Always read a website’s privacy policy
- Don’t “unsubscribe” to unwanted email
- Don’t sign up for “free” things
12. Don’t forward email to “everyone” in your address book
13. Talk to your children about what personal information is and why they should never give it out.
14. Make sure children only exchange email with people they know and let them use chat areas you supervise.
15. Make sure you are aware of any other places your child may be using the internet such as a friend’s house or the library.
16. Show your children how to turn off the monitor when something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
17. Access more tips on the “Parents & Educators” section of www.NetSmartz.org.
18. Know how to
- Set parental controls
- Check history files
Here are some additional sites to assist in educating yourself and monitoring your home computer:
www.Cybertipline.com
www.Netsmartz.com
www.Incredibleinternet.com
www.Theinternetandyourchild.org
www.Spectorpro.com
www.eblaster.com
www.Getnetwise.com
www.Netnanny.com
