for parents
Internet Safety for Parents
Internet Safety Tips
1. Locate the family computer in a visible, open area.
Make sure you can see the monitor. It’s even better when you can see the monitor and your child can’t see you when you are watching.
2. Post clear rules.
Create an Internet Use Agreement or write up a contract. Keep it nearby the computer as a not-so-subtle reminder.
3. No chatting unless in a monitored chat room.
There’s a difference between “Monitored” and “Child-friendly”. Stick with chat rooms that have a designated monitor. These monitors are there to “watch” and make sure that conversations don’t take an ugly turn. They also can interrupt if they feel someone is asking personal questions and trying to get information.
4. Keep an open line of communication.
Don’t overreact or “freak out”. Let your children know they can come to you whenever they encounter something they feel uncomfortable about without the fear that you’ll unplug the computer.
5. Choose screen names/nicknames carefully.
Do not include any identifying information. Online names should never allude to a child’s age, gender, location, etc.
6. Report cyberstalking, solicitations, child porn, etc.
If someone is trying to arrange a face-to-face (f2f) meeting and doesn’t take no for an answer, or sends your child pornographic messages/images contact CyberTipLine 1(800) THE-LOST (800-843-5678) or US Customs (800) BE-ALERT (800-232-5378). Of course in an emergency situation you should call 911.
7. Check the computer for questionable files, websites, etc.
View the Temporary Internet Files folder. Regularly check the Internet browser’s History. Look at the Cookies installed don the computer. Search files for pictures and videos.
8. Check your phone and phone bill.
Look for unknown numbers being called at questionable hours. Look at incoming calls, especially during times when child might be home alone.
9. Brush up on chat room acronyms. (LOL, f2f, etc.)
Most are harmless but look out for acronyms that might not be that innocent. Ex: f2f = face to face – this is used a lot when kids try to set up a meeting in person. PAW = parents are watching, POS = parent over shoulder, PAL = parents are listening, and other variations P911, etc could be a signal to the chatter on the other end to stop communicating until you leave the room.
10. Consider purchasing monitoring, filtering, or blocking software.
Monitoring software lets you secretly watch what your kids do when they are on the computer. Blocking software will block access to known “bad” websites. Filtering blocks out inappropriate words, images, etc. Cybersitter is a comprehensive software that does it all. It even blocks outgoing messages that include private information. They also have a product that will allow you real-time monitoring of your machine from another computer.
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11. Google your child’s name and set up alerts.
Google you child’s name and see what shows up. If there are websites, blogs, etc. that contain personal information contact them and request that the information be removed. If you use Google you can also set up an Alert. Google will check that search phrase daily or weekly (your choice) and will e-mail you whenever anything new shows up.
12. Create and action plan.
Decide before hand how your child should respond when someone asks for a phone number, age, location, etc.