How to Teach Your Child About Internet Safety

The World Wide Web is a wonderful tool; with a little bit of education and caution, surfing the Web can be a great experience for your kids.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Service Providers
• Computers
• Blocking Software

1. Help your child pick out a screen name or user name. Avoid names that include a name and/or an age, such as Johnny10.
2. Surf the Web with your child, letting him or her lead your exploration together (if your child is experienced enough).
3. Visit some sites for children together.
4. Teach your child that other people are using the Web just as you are, and explain that it's hard to tell whether they're telling the truth about themselves.
5. Discuss with your child the potentially harmful topics that could show up on the Web, such as violence, hate material and pornography.
6. Warn your child not to give out personal information over the Internet, send pictures of himself or herself, or meet someone in person without your permission.
7. Warn your child not to join any mailing lists without your permission.
8. Encourage your child not to visit sites or respond to messages that seem strange or scary.
9. Encourage your child to speak to you or a teacher whenever he or she encounters anything that makes him or her uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose an online service that has parental control features, or buy blocking software to design your own control system.
• Monitor your child when he or she is online.
• If your child receives offensive material over the Internet, save it and contact your Internet service provider and the police immediately.