Child Internet Safety
Remember a Public Computer is the Safest Computer!
The family computer belongs in a very public part of your home
It should NEVER be in your child’s room
Parents should spend time online with their children to supervise their online habits
Set the Ground Rules!
Create a contract that outlines the house rules regarding:
Locations that may be accessed
What information may be shared with others
Have both yourself and your child sign the contract
Utilize Parental Controls
If you want your child to have access to the Internet, but are hesitant to let them explore the vast universe of cyberspace unescorted, then Parental Controls are for you!
Most web explorers have Parental Controls category levels you can choose from:
Kids Only (ages 12 and under);
Young Teen (ages 13-15);
Mature Teen (ages 16-17); or
General Access (ages 18 and older) categories.
Investigate Filtering Software
There are numerous software programs that will filter content that appears on your computer.
You should evaluate each product and make an educated decision as to which program you prefer
Areas of Interest to Children
Instant Messages
E-Mail
Chat Rooms
Web Browsing
When in a Chat Room or While Instant Messaging, Remember:
Anything that you say, no matter how secure you think it is, or who you say it to, may be accessed by others
You do not really know who you are talking to, even though they may say they are a friend or another child
You are responsible for everything that you say or do
Password Protection
NEVER tell your password to anyone
Your password is your business, no one but your parents need to know it
Online companies will NEVER request your password
Ignore E-Mails or Instant messages that request your password
Messages to Share with Your Children
If you make a mistake, tell a responsible adult right away!
If you are in doubt of the right thing to do, log off and tell an adult!
NEVER give anyone personal information about you or your family online.
Your hobbies can be shown in your profile, which allows predators the opportunity to mold their conversation around your interests.
A user’s profile is made up by the person using the computer. It is not verified by anyone, and is not necessarily truthful
There are programs on the Internet to help you to find people and places. They can be used by the predators to find you!
Never arrange a meeting with someone from the Internet without your parent’s or guardian’s permission
If someone ask you for your telephone number in a chat room you should tell your parents or guardians right away
