Tips on Internet Safety

What are the risks?

• A child may be exposed to inappropriate material of a sexual or violent nature.
• While on-line, a child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his/her safety or the safety of other family members. In some cases, pedophiles have used on-line services and bulletin boards to gain a child's confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting.
• A child might encounter e-mail or bulletin board messages that are harassing, demeaning or belligerent.

How parents can reduce the risks:

• Find systems that can block out parts of the service that you feel are inappropriate for your children.
• Spend time with your children while they are on-line. Have them show you what they do and understand the services they are using.
• Before giving out identifying information - home address, telephone number or school name be sure that you and your child can trust the person receiving the information.
• Never allow your child to meet face-to-face with another computer user without your permission. If a meeting is arranged make sure you accompany your child and meet the person in a public place.
• Ask your children to tell you when they receive any messages or bulletin board items that are obscene, threatening, harassing or uncomfortable. Forward these messages to your service provider for their assistance and tell your child not to respond to such mail.
• Tell your children that people on-line may not be who they seem. Some people pretend to be a 12 year-old girl when, in fact, they may be a 40 year-old man.
• Be very careful when an offer involves meeting someone or having him or her visit your home.
• Discuss the Internet rules with your child and post them near the computer.
• Set up your computer in a common area, such as a family room, rather than a private room.

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