Internet Safety

The internet is a very valuable tool that has changed the way we do things in life. Unfortunately, some people are using the internet to harm people by taking advantage of this revolutionary technical product. Using the internet can be safe, useful, and enjoyable. Listed below are some tips to keep you safe as you surf the cyber space.

PARENTS:

• Keep the computer in a public room. Do not put it in the child's bedroom where it is difficult for you to monitor what your child is doing online.
• Instruct your child not to give out personal information online such as their full name, address, telephone number, or school information.
• Talk to your children about what they are doing online. There is no substitute for parental supervision.
• Use parental controls to prevent children from entering areas of the internet that is not suitable. There are programs on the market that block certain types of files from being sent to your child.
• Set rules that your child can understand. Post them by the computer.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends online. Late at night or an excessive amount of time can signal a problem.
• Remember, everything you read online may not be the truth. Any offer too good to be true probably is not true. Don't lose your common sense just because you are online.

CHILDREN:

• Never give out your personal information online such as your full name, address, telephone number, where you go to school, or where your parents work.
• If someone starts a chat with you online and it makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents right away.
• Never send someone a picture of yourself without checking with your parents first.
• Don't answer messages unless you know who the sender is.
• Remember, everything you read online may not be the truth.
• Never, never arrange to meet in person with a stranger that you have been chatting with online!