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Internet Safety Tips for Parents

1. Become computer literate and be actively involved in your children's online experiences.
2. Place computers in high-traffic areas, not in a child's room.
3. Use screening software.
4. Read unfamiliar e-mails. Monitor telephone and modem charges. Check out unfamiliar phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
5. Don't allow children to spend long periods of time on the computer, especially at night.
6. Help children understand that online users may not be who they say they are or who they seem to be. Get to know your children's Internet friends.
7. Tell children to report anything they come across online that seems strange or makes them uncomfortable and to tell you if they are asked personal questions or invited to personal meetings.
8. Tell children to report to you suggestive, obscene, or threatening e-mail or bulletin board messages. Forward copies to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and insist they help deal with the problem.
9. Be concerned if children mention adults you don't know, become secretive, or appear to have inappropriate sexual knowledge.
10. Post the Internet Safety Rules for Kids by your computer.

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