While Internet filters are part of the solution, Internet safety policies and guidelines can help make the Internet a safer experience for your family members.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Place your computer in an open room with the monitor facing out. This allows you to see and control what is occurring on the Internet.
- Educate your children about the Internet, both the positives and the potential dangers.
- Bookmark child-friendly web sites. This allows your children to easily get to safe sites that they have used before.
- Teach your children that Internet safety means never giving out personal information over the Internet.
- Share your Internet child safety experiences, both good and bad, with others.
- Teach your children to refrain from chat rooms.
- Don’t install Peer-to-peer applications. A high percentage of what occurs with children and peer-to-peer applications is related to either illegal or immoral activities.
- Teach children to crash and tell. If they encounter a bad experience, they should feel comfortable in immediately turning off the computer and talking with a parent about the experience.
- Never allow your children to meet with someone from an online session unless the parent approves.
- Know the parents of your children’s friends.
- Teach children to never open e-mail from someone they don’t know.
- Never respond to an unsubscribe on a pornographic email. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your ISP, and ask for assistance.
- Internet child safety is crucial in creating a fun and safe family Internet experience.
© 2003 Jerry Ropelato. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Internet Filter Review seeks to provide the most current Internet safety tips. If you do not see an Internet safety tip that you feel should be included, please email to [email protected]. If you need a speaker to present on Internet child safety issues, please email to [email protected].