Safety Online

The Internet is a very valuable tool, but also can be a very dangerous place for child. These tips will help you and your child develop safe practices while surfing the Internet.

Awareness: Place your home computer in a place where your child can be easily supervised, such as the living room or kitchen. Check out the sites your child is visiting. Let your child know that not all information on the Internet is true. A person your child talks to online may not be who they say they are.
Protection: Warn your children not to give out personal information over the Internet, including their full name, address, photos or the school they attend. You could also check if there are any blocking features offered through your Internet service provider. There are online services and software available to filter out offensive material.
New Interest: Tell your child that talking to a stranger on the Internet is the same as talking to one on the street. If your child begins placing phone calls to strangers or receives calls from unfamiliar people, investigate immediately. If your child decides to meet someone off the Internet, they must get your permission and meet him or her in a public place.
Guidance: Talk as a family and come up with an agreement about Internet use. This should include sites that shouldn't be accessed and hours of use. Always let your child know that they can talk to you if someone is pressing them for personal information.
Danger: Let your child know that they can talk to you or go to a teacher or trusted adult if someone has made them feel uncomfortable, said something inappropriate, is pressuring to meet them or has harassed them online. Immediately contact the police if your child gets sent sexually explicit material or has been sexually solicited.