|
“Keep Children Safe Online”
Tips for parents to help protect their children from online predators: Keep your family’s computer(s) in a high traffic area of the home, not in the child's bedroom
Restrict the time they spend online, and restrict the websites and chat/IM programs they can use.
Show an interest in what they are doing online, and have at least a basic knowledge of how to use the sites that they access
Impress upon them how critical it is that they never give out personal information to people online (school name, full name, phone number, address, etc.)
Educate yourself about the real dangers that our kids face online, and especially in chat rooms, and keep an honest, open dialog with your child about those dangers.
If your child tells you about a disturbing experience online, don't blame your child. Instead, listen to him/her and talk about how to safely and appropriately deal with that situation, and any similar situation that may arise in the future.
If your child does receive inappropriate/obscene messages, encourage your child to tell you about it right away.
To report obscene or threatening messages or e-mails, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at http://www.cybertipline.com
Do not rely solely on parental control software programs to monitor your children. That job belongs to you. Kids often know how to get around those programs.
Remember that kids often do not tell their parents about inappropriate sexual behavior or propositions they receive online, because they're afraid of losing their computer privileges. Create a safe environment for your children, so that they know they can come to you with issues like that, without fear.
Set a good example for your kids by being open about your internet activities and by visiting websites that contain family-friendly content. Always let your children see you actively using good judgment online.
Don’t forward chain emails to your kids. This may leave them vulnerable for unsolicited email and other contacts that may be age inappropriate.
Read our tips for using myspace.com (or similar social networking sites)
|