Safety Tips for Surfing the Net

With Internet access becoming more available, consider some ground rules for use in your home. 

• PEOPLE YOU MEET ON THE INTERNET ARE STRANGERS:
  Remind your children that people they meet on the Internet are “strangers.” Just as they should not give out their address, telephone number, name, location of school, or any other information to a stranger, they should not give out personal information to people they meet on the Internet.
• TALK WITH CHILDREN ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE SEEING AND DOING ON THE INTERNET:
  Encourage your children to talk to you right away about anything on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable.
• ASK YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY MEET ON THE INTERNET:
  Make sure that your children talk to you directly about anyone they have met on the Internet who wants to meet them in person.
• MEETING "FRIENDS" FROM THE INTERNET IN PERSON REQUIRES ADULT SUPERVISION:
  Establish a firm rule with your children that they may not meet someone they know from the Internet unless a parent or other responsible adult goes with them.
• E-MAILING PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD ONLY BE DONE WITH PERMISSION:
  Explain to your children that it is not safe to e-mail a picture of themselves or anything else without first checking with you. Let them know that just as it is important that you know who their friends are and what they are doing with them, it is important that they talk with you before beginning an e-mail friendship with a new person.
• HAVE FREQUENT DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT CONVERSATIONS AND MESSAGES THEY ARE RECEIVING THROUGH THE INTERNET:
  Encourage your children to talk to you about any messages that are mean or make them feel uncomfortable in any way. Reassure them that it is not their fault if they get a message of that kind. Urge them to confide in you, reminding them that you are “on their team.”
• SET CLEAR "HOUSE RULES" AROUND USE OF THE INTERNET:
  As with all media, set limits around the use of the Internet. Be clear about your rules and expectations, and let them know that you want them to enjoy the wonderful resource the Internet is. Emphasize that the guidelines you have set up will enable them to enjoy the Internet safely.