• Join your children online
Sit with your child when they use the computer and go online together. Visit their favorite web sites, listen to music, explore and have fun together.
• Talk with your child about what they do and where they go online
Ask what web sites they visit, where they listen to music, watch videos and look at photos, who are their friends online and where do they get together. Take an on-going interest in their computer and online use.
• Check out technology tools and features to help you
Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may have parental features and software available at stores and online have programs to help you guide your child's online experience.
• Set guidelines on computer use at home
Guide your child on how long they can use the compuer, what web sites they can visit and what they can do online. Talk together and update the guidelines as your child grows older.
• Encourage your children to talk with you if they come across uncomfortable content
Help your child understand what is uncomfortable content on web sites, photos, emails and in instant messages. Be calm when they come to you and help them solve the situation.
• Let your children know you care and are involved in their technology use
Participate in technology buying decisions and discussing technology issues. Get actively involved with your child's technology use on a daily basis.
• Educate yourself on computer, Internet and mobile technology
Check out web sites with helpful educational information (see list of links below) on safe technology use, technology tools and offline and online resources.
• Know that the same parenting skills you’ve used for other issues works for technology use
The same extra care you take before you send your child to the park or to the mall alone for the first time or when they start to drive a car, the same good sense ideas work for your child's technology use too.
Guide your children not to give out personal information about themselves or your family
• Let them know what is personal information like: school names; names and addresses of home and school; work locations; school mascots; relatives and friends names, addresses and phone numbers, places you to to eat and play; and, social security, credit card and driver license numbers.
Do not allow your child to meet an online friend in-person, without you
• People are not always who they say they are online. If your child wants to meet an 'online friend' in-person, you ought to get to know them first. If you decide it is OK, then you should always go with your child, and only meet in a public place.
INTERNET SAFETY WEB LINKS:
www.onguardonline.gov
www.getnetwise.org
www.staysafe.org
www.ikeepsafe.org
www.netsmartz.org
www.safekids.com
www.connectsafely.org
www.wiredsafety.com
www.webwisekids.com
www.netfamilynews.com
www.staysafeonline.org
