Crime Prevention and Security Tips - Internet Safety
These are exciting times to raise a family. Our children are exposed to so many wonderful experiences for growth and development. Computer technology has opened up a wealth of opportunities that offer challenges, education and just plain fun. The Internet is a terrific way to tap into a whole new world of knowledge that can enhance school performance and improve a child's communication skills.
But just like exploring any new territory, your children need to be warned about Internet activities that may be unsafe. We know you would never send your children out into the world without certain rules and special guidelines to protect them. They should also be prepared before venturing out onto the World Wide Web.
Info Parents Need to Know to be Web Savvy
- Keep the computer in a family room, kitchen, or another area where you can monitor its use.
- Limit your child's time online, just like you do their television viewing. They need a balance of activities in their lives.
- Take time to teach your children how to use the computer responsibly.
- After setting up rules for using the Internet, discuss them with your children. Post them near the computer as a reminder.
- Ask about your child's online friends, so you know with whom they are communicating.
- Discuss the difference between advertising and educational information. Explain by showing examples of each.
- Many Internet providers offer parental controls with their service. Us them to keep children away from undesirable sites.
- Report anything that gets by parental controls and let your Internet service provider know what you expect to keep kids safe.
- Learn all you can about Internet security software that blocks and filters undesirable information.
- Check out the World Wide Web for organizations that represent children's rights. Do a search using keywords such as “Internet safety for kids,” and your browser will take you there. Many have newsletters you can download to keep you updated on the latest Internet information.
Unfortunately, material you might find objectionable is quite easy to access on the Internet. Entering an innocent search for “Little Women,” a book by Louisa May Alcott, will take you to some areas that would be inappropriate for children.
Role-play with your kids to teach them how to react in potentially harmful situations. Ask your children the following questions and listen to their responses.
- What if – You were talking online with your friend, and you got a message from a kid who says, “hey, what's your name and age? I think I know you. It would be really cool to get together at your house or mine, but I forgot your address.” What would you do?
- What if – You got an e-mail that said “I'm new here, and my parents said I could invite a bunch of kids over for a pizza and video game party tomorrow after school. They said we should all meet at the park down the street about 4:00. Don't tell your parents. They might say no!” What would you do?
Other Net Safety Tips
- Learn about the Internet with your kids. In most households, kids seem to know more about how to get around on the Internet than parents do. Spend some quality time exploring together.
- Let you kids know they can come to you if they have a bad experience. Kids can very innocently come across a Web site that may not be appropriate. Don't place the blame on them. Encourage them to tell you if they see something that makes them feel funny or uncomfortable, whether during home, library or school Internet usage.
- Make sure the parents of your children's friends know that you monitor Internet use at home. And when your child's friends are at your house, share your rules with them and let them know you'll be nearby.
- Let your kids show you what they can do. Take time to watch your child play games, draw a picture or do research on the Internet. Let them express pride in their accomplishments.
- Explain the rules so they understand. Children want their parents to set limits. It makes them feel secure and lets them know where they stand. And of course they are going to complain about it!
Safer Travel on the Internet J
Rules for your Kids
- Don't give anyone your password, name, address, the name of your school or any information about your family.
- Don't talk to strangers on the Internet or agree to meet anyone in person that you've met online.
- Don't fill in a profile about yourself that asks for your name and address.
- Don't visit a chat room without your parent's permission.
- Don't stay online if you see something your parent's wouldn't like.