Helpful Tips for Internet Safety

    GETTING STARTED:

  • Explain that once you are logged onto the Internet, there are people skilled to find out who you are and where you are.  They can browse and download information from your computer
  • Explore the Internet with your child, visit sites that are geared to children.  If your child has computer experience, let them control the input.

    CONTROLLING ACCESS:

  • Your child's common sense is the first and best defense.  Teach them about exploitation, hate literature, excessive violence, pornography and other issues that concern you and the proper response for these issues.
  • Use a commercial online service that offers parental controls.  These controls include restricted access to inappropriate websites, chat rooms, news and discussion groups.
  • Purchase blocking software that allows you to customize your child's protection.  These features include blocking websites based on names, words and entire catagories.  In addition, they can prevent your child from giving out personal information.
  • Monitor your child's online time.  If they become uneasy or defensive when you enter the room or linger, this could be a sign of something unusual or forbidden.

    TELL YOUR CHILDREN:

  • Always tell you when they find scary or threatening material on the Internet.
  • Never give out their name, telephone number, address, passwords, school name, parent's name or any other personal information.
  • Never send a picture to someone they only know through the Internet.
  • Never agree to meet face to face with someone they do not know and only have talked to online.
  • Never respond to messages with inappropriate language, threatening or 'weird'.
  • Never enter web sites that charge a fee without your permission.

    WHAT YOU CAN DO IN THE COMMUNITY:

  • Confirm your child's school Internet access is monitored by adults.
  • Confirm your child's school has an Aceptable Use Policy (AUP).  This policy should include a list of acceptable activities and resources and those unacceptable, information on 'netiquette', consequences for violations and a place for you and your child to sign.
  • Talk with your child's friends parent, get on the same page with Internet access rules.
  • If your child receives threatening or pornographic material, save the e-mail or instant message, contact your Internet service provider and local law enforcement agency.
  • If you and your child come across inappropriate websites for children, send the web addresses to Internet service providers that provide parental controls for appropriate action.

Crime prevention tips from:

National Crime Prevention Council