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Do not allow Internet access in a child's bedroom. Keep the computer in the living room or other common area of the home
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Occasionally "spot check" your child's activity while they are online. Note any unusual behavior (turning the monitor off, shutting the computer off, etc)
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Make sure your children understand what you consider to be appropriate and inappropriate material
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Limit the amount of time your child spends online
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Know your child's screen name and password; access to the Internet is a privilege not a right
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Do not allow children to use screen names that are "seductive" or reveal too much personal information
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Talk to your kids about the risks associated with chat rooms
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Remind your kids that not everything they read or see on the Internet is true
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Make sure your children NEVER provide personal or private information to anyone on the Internet
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Never agree to meet anyone your child has met online
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Teach your children to respect others while online
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Understand that filtering programs can't and don't take the place of parental supervision
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Take time to learn about your computer and know how to access files and other information
USEFUL LINKS
www.cybercopguide.com - Glen Klinkhart's website. Download a free copy of his book "A CyberCop's Guide to Internet Child Safety." This book is designed to help parents to become better informed about the problems that families of today face while on the Information Superhighway.
www.missingkids.com/cybertip - The CyberTipline handles leads from individuals reporting the sexual exploitation of children. Contact them if you have information that will help fight against child sexual exploitation. Your information will be forwarded to law enforcement for investigation and review, and, when appropriate, to the ISP. Great links to other resources as well.
www.isafe.org - ISAFE provides resources for Internet Safety Education Programs
www.safekids.com
- Tips, advice and suggestions to make your family's online experience fun and
productive.
www.safeteens.com - Similar to the above
site, but aimed at older children
www.netsmartz.org - The NetSmartz Workshop is an educational resource for children of all ages, parents, and teachers on how to stay safer on the Internet.
