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1. Establish rules for Internet use
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What sites can your child visit?
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Who can they talk to?
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How long will they be online?
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Where can they use a computer?
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Keep house rules posted near the computer
2. Keep the computer in a common room (not a child's bedroom)
3. Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused while online
4. Communicate
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Prepare yourself beforehand
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Talk and be open with your kids and teens
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Keep your cool. Be cool. Encourage them to confide in you
5. Be Informed
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Learn everything you can about the Internet – Ask your kids to show you places they go
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Learn chatroom lingo by going to www.cybertipline.com for a list of acronyms like POS = Parent Over Shoulder
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Know what other access your child may have including text messaging
6. Consider safeguarding options
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Check out blocking, filtering, and rating applications
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Learn about filtering and monitoring software and WHEN TO USE THEM
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But remember, education is a key part of prevention.
7. CyberTipline
8. Know who your children talk to online
9. Check your children's E-mail addresses for appropriateness
10. Don't post your child's E-mail address in any directory
11. Always read a web site's privacy policy
- Don't "unsubscribe" to unwanted E-mail
- Don't sign up for "free" things
12. Don't forward E-mail to "everyone" in your address book
13. Talk to your children about what personal information is and why they should never give it out
14. Make sure children only exchange E-mail with people they know and let them use chat areas you supervise
15. Make sure you are aware of any other places your child may be using the Internet such as a friend's house or the library
16. Show your children how to turn off the monitor when something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused
18. Know how to
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Set parental controls
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Check history files
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