Internet Safety

Tips for Parents: Know the Benefits and Safety Issues

Vast Resources: It is critical that our children have your guidance as they learn to use the Internet. Although children can use the Internet to tap in to the Library of Congress or download pictures from the surface of Mars, not all of the material on the Internet is appropriate for children. As a parent, you can guide and teach your child in a way that no one else can. You can make sure that your child's experience on the Internet is safe, educational, and enjoyable.

A computer that is connected to the Internet allows you to turn your home, community center, local library, or school into a place of unlimited information and communication. The Internet can help your Family:

• Find educational resources including up-to-the minute news, or collections of research information on topics ranging from weather conditions to population statistics.
• Get help with homework through online encyclopedias and other reference materials and access to experts.
• Increase reading skills by providing access to interesting materials and suggestions for additional reading.
• Improve technology and information skills necessary to find and use information, solve problems, and communicate with others.
• Locate parenting information and swap ideas with other families.

Interacting with Others on the Internet

Just as we tell our children to be wary of strangers they meet, we need to tell them to be wary of strangers on the Internet. Most people behave reasonably and decently online, but some are rude, mean, or even criminal. Teach your children that they should:

• Never give out personal information (including their name, home address, phone number, age, race, Family income, school name or location, or friends' names) or use a credit card online without the parent's permission.
• Never share their password, even with friends.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online unless you approve of the meeting and go with them to a public place.
• Never respond to messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable. They should ignore the sender, end the communication and inform the parents.
• Never use bad language or send mean messages online.

Click here for more information on Internet safety.

Source: Benefits of Getting on the Information Superhighway - Parents Guide to the Internet - November 1997
Interacting with Others on the Internet - Parents Guide to the Internet - November 1997