Internet Safety Tips

1. Make using the computer a family activity.

Keep the computer in a family room  rather than the basement or child’s bedroom.

Ask, "Show me what you did today."

Get to know your child’s online friends.

2. Write down your rules for computer use.

Have children sign your rules before they are allowed to use your computer.

Example

When I can use the computer:_____________

Areas I can visit:_________________________

Never give out my last name, address, telephone.

Tell an adult if I find things I do not understand, or if someone is rude to me, or makes me uncomfortable.

Only parents can set up in-person meetings.

3. Lock it up!

Set your computer’s password "on" then you, the adult,  will enter a password when you are present and want
the system used.

4. Approved lists for young children.

Choose a child-oriented service or add a program  to your computer that can be set up to let your young child access sites from only short, pre-approved lists.

5. Blocking lists for older kids.

Choose a service that offers blocking, or add a blocking program to your computer that blocks access to a list of sites or sites that contain certain words or phrases.

Blocking software is not perfect, but using it does make it more likely that kids will follow the rules.

6. Away from home.

Ask that the screens be turned to face the supervisor.

Do not permit your child to access computers if there is no adult supervision.

Find out the features of the software that will be used.

Explain to your child that your Rules for computer use will apply to their use away from home.

7. Monitor actual use.

It is not enough to say to your child "Here are the rules...OK?...bye."

Use a review program, such as WebPrints, to monitor your Internet safety controls and show how your computer has
actually been used.

8. Instruct your children never to give out personal information such address, phone number. Actually any information that might give a person a way to contact your son/daughter in person.