INTERNET SAFETY

The holidays may have brought brand-new computers into many homes. It is amazing how fast kids learn how to use the Internet and other forms of technology. Therefore, it is important for children to know the information they encounter on the Internet could be deceptive or encourage them to explore in ways that might put them in jeopardy.

Parents need to establish boundaries for Internet use. This can be done by writing a contract that outlines appropriate computer and Internet use for their children to sign. The contract should spell out clearly what the consequences will be if the rules are deliberately (not accidentally) broken. The signed contract should be posted in a prominent place near the computer as a reminder.

Some basic rules that might be included in the contract include:

If I see or do anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I am on-line, I will immediately turn off the computer monitor and go get my parents or a trusted adult to deal with the situation.

I will tell my parents or a trusted adult if a person I don't know or any other on-line resource (e.g., a music download company that requires registration) asks me for personal information such as my name, address, phone number, or asks to meet in person.

I will not be rude or mean when chatting on-line. If I receive a message that is mean or rude, I won't respond. I will, instead, tell my parents or a trusted adult

This process should be the start of an ongoing dialogue on Internet safety. It is important that children feel comfortable talking about all their on-line experiences, both good and bad, with their parents. Threatening to take away computer privileges as a punishment should be avoided; children probably will just find another way to access the Internet, and this time they may not tell anyone about what they are doing there.

This information is shared courtesy of the NetSmartz Workshop.

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