| Think of the Internet
as a big lake. There are shallow spots and
deep spots. You would never throw your child
into the lake without supervision, without
learning to swim or without learning of
the dangerous areas. You would never let
your children swim in the dark. |
| |
These
strategies may protect your child from harm
on the Internet: |
|
Purchase and install “blocking software”.
Such software prevents targeted web sites
from appearing on your computer. This tends
to work better for younger children who
are more apt to stumble on a pornographic
web site than search for them directly.
Ask at your local computer store for a recommendation
on which software to use. |
|
|
Keep your computer in a public area in
your house such as the kitchen, family room
or hallway. Children will be embarrassed
if sexual content appears and will not want
to be caught in open territory with it on
the screen. Porn needs secrecy to survive.
No secrecy, no porn. |
|
|
If the computer is to remain in your child’s
room, the door must be open when the Internet
is in use. |
|
|
Check the Temporary Internet Files and
History Folder on the computer. The rule
is, no deleting these files. Parents are
advised to view these files periodically.
These files will show you exactly what has
been viewed and which web sites were accessed.
They even will show date and time. No files,
no computer. |
|
|
Remember, safety on the Internet is not
a matter of trusting your child. It is a
matter of understanding childhood curiosity
and the trouble that can cause. It is always
up to the parents to protect children from
harm and learn the strategies to do so.
|
| What
are some general guidelines parents can
teach children about Internet safety? |
|
|
Don't give out personal information (Name,
Address, Age, School, Birthday, Phone Number,
etc.) |
|
|
Choose a screen name that doesn't identify
any personal information. Examples of bad
screen names: saragirl15, Tommy boy, girl-in-denver,
babygirl12. |
|
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Don't share your password with anyone
except your parents. Not even your best
friend. |
|
|
Do not respond to unwanted, mean, offensive
or threatening e-mail, chat room dialogue,
or instant messages. |
|
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Don't send pictures of yourself to someone
you don't know. |
|
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NEVER agree to meet someone you met on
the Internet. |
|
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Remember people online may or may NOT
be who they say they are. |
|
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Promise to tell an adult
if you ever feel uncomfortable while online. |
