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Ten Internet Safety Tips for Families

1. Keep the computer in a well-trafficked area of the house, not in your child's bedroom. The computer should be set up where it is easy for parents to see the screen and monitor behavior.

2. Spend time with your children while they explore the Internet. Let your child know that you care and that you intend to participate. Learn the Internet together.

3. Keep your children out of unmonitored chat rooms. Internet filtering software that blocks access to all chat rooms is available to keep children safe from the threat of dangerous persons, masquerading as kids.

4. Become familiar with the quality family-friendly and kid-friendly sites on the Web. Load your computer with bookmarks to those sites, such as:
   
   www.yahooligans.com
   www.hbzderby.com
   www.thetech.org
   parentingteens.about.com/cs/sitesforteens

   These sites offer great educational and entertaining information for children that allow them to explore safely and will discourage wandering.

5. Take advantage of the Web filtering software readily available in the marketplace. These block access to inappropriate sites related to sex, drugs/alcohol, hate/violence, and gambling.

6. Know your child's e-mail name and password and tell your children to inform you immediately about troubling, unsolicited e-mail. Make sure they understand it is not necessarily their fault if such e-mail arrives.

7. Inform your kids of personal information that should never be given out of the Internet without your consent: telephone numbers, address, credit card numbers, name of school, age, financial information, etc.

8. Stay abreast of technology and regulatory changes regarding Internet safety.

9. Let your child know that you are there to talk anytime, about anything they come across that may cause discomfort.

10. It is important to read these tips from time to time to ensure these guidelines are being implemented.