Internet Safety

What can you as a parent do for your children?

Please take the time to follow some simple steps below to help safeguard their Internet experience:

1. Place your computer in the family room or another open area of your home. Or use the computer together at a library, school, or community center.
2. Establish clear ground rules for Internet use for your kids. Decide whether or not to use parental control tools or protective software.
3. Take the time to see what your kids are doing online and what their interest are.
4. Teach kids never to give out their personal information to people they meet online especially in public areas like chat rooms and bulletin boards.
5. Tell your child not to respond when they receive offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat, or other communications.
6. Instruct your child never to plan a face-to-face meeting with online acquaintances. 

There are a number of resources available online for parents, one worth checking out is Teen Safety on the Information Highway at www.missingkids.com or order a free copy by calling 1-800-843-5678.

As always if you or your child have questions or concerns about the Internet you should contact your local police department.