12 Steps to Internet Safety

1. 1. Do not give out identifying personal information online without getting your parent's permission first.
2. Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Since you cannot see or hear the person, he or she could misrepresent who they really are, how old they are, and what they want.
3. If you become aware of the transmission, use or viewing of child pornography while online, you may report this to your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. You may also notify your online service.
4. Consider keeping the computer in a common area of the house instead of a child's bedroom. Monitor its use.
5. Read computer service bills carefully to see how much time your child spends online.
6. Encourage your child to tell you if they receive any information that causes them to feel uncomfortable.
7. Do not allow children to arrange a face to face meeting with someone they met online without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot. Be sure to accompany your child.
8. Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. Post them near the computer as a reminder.
9. Remember to spend quality time with your children. Computers and online services should not be used as babysitters.
10. Learn about computers and the services your child uses. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block/filter objectionable material.
11. Encourage your children not to respond to messages that are obscene, belligerent, threatening, or which makes them feel uncomfortable.
12. Communicate with your children about sexual victimization and potential on-line danger.