Parents Guide To Internet Safety

Parents should recognise the benefits that the internet offers but should also be aware of the potential dangers online. The naive and trustng nature of children can make them an easy target for a variety of dangers on the internet like bullying and harassment,pornography,information theft and financial fraud.However, if parents take the time to educate themselves about technology and establish some simple safety rules, the internet can become a very positive and educative place for their children. Some warning signs to watch for... Educating your child about the internet is the most effective way of protecting them against the dangers that lurk online. Spent time with them to explore the internet and to introduce them to appropriate websites of their interest. Set the rules for internet use , limit the number of hours and times at which they can be online Install both commercial and free software that create a safety system for your computer. Place the computer in a neutral space in the house e.g. the living room.

Encourage your child, to inform you immediately if they are threatened, scared or made uncomfortable by someone or something online. Advice your child to be cautious about believing what they read on the Internet, because it is not always true or reliable. Alert your child to be careful when they visit chat rooms and keep out of chat rooms for adults under all circumstances. Instruct your child to make sure that the firewall software is alway running when they use the Internet connection. Under no circumstances must this be switched off.

Instruct your children not to give their own or their friends names, addresses, phone numbers, school names, or other personal information. Instruct your children not to send any picture of themselves, their parents or their friends to anyone without your permission. Instruct your children not to fill out forms or questionnaires online in your absense or without your permission. Instruct your children not to enter areas of website that have charge for services without your permission.