Internet Safety for Kids

1. Prepare your kids for the online world just as you would for the real world.

Establish guidelines and rules about computer use in your home and in public places.

Know who communicates with your children at all times.

2. Learn everything you can, about the Internet.

Familiarize yourself with the programs and software your children are using.

Consider using Internet filters or blocks and monitor their history activity.

3. Place the family's computer in a common room.

Set up guidelines that will be easily adhered to under consistent supervision.

4. Limit your children's computer time.

Safeguard them on the Internet by discussing safe practises and do's and don'ts.

Talk about the benefits and dangers on the Internet and making sure your children are making smart decisions while online is also important.

5. Explain to your children that Instant Messenger (IM) is only for chatting with school and family friends who they know by face and are approved by you.

Make sure they can put a face to every screen name on their IM "buddy list.”

6. 65% of incidents happen in chatrooms.

Reinforce that people are not always who they say they are when online.

Make sure your children know how dangerous it is to give out personal information such as their name, mailing address or E-mail address.

Stress the fact that it is not safe to get together with someone they first "meet” online.

Insist on having open communication so if and when they are propositioned for any inappropriate behaviour, you are the first to know. Click here to see more internet safety tips for kids and teenagers.