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Internet Safety Articles
Educational articles on the topic of internet safety. Click on the article title to view.
Contact Kathy Dodrill for an informational Internet Safety program for adult groups. The program will give you more information on how youth are surfing the net and how for adults to understand youth oriented websites. It's always a good idea to be prepare instead of being surprised later.
Set clear rules for Internet use
Children of any age need their parents to establish clear guidelines about Internet use. Establish a set of rules that you and your child can agree on. Then post the rules above the computer or in another common space. (Source: Microsoft Corporation)
Advice for Parents for Online Safety
Educators, security experts, and computer scientists agree that the best protection for children on the Internet is watchful parents.
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Be familiar with the Internet by spending time on the Net with your child. Learn how to access information; have your child teach you if you don't already know how to log on.
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Become aware of what information your child accesses online, just as you would monitor television, books, or other printed material.
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Talk to your children about their experiences on the Internet, making sure they do not feel uncomfortable about anything or anyone they encounter.
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Some people online may not be who they seem. It would not be difficult for some people to misrepresent themselves.
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Teach your children to ignore threatening or obscene remarks. Encourage them to tell you if they receive such messages. Report suspicious behavior to your online service or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678.
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Caution your child to never release personal information, such as a picture, password, home address, phone number, or school name to strangers online.
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Be sure your child asks your permission before arranging a face-to-face meeting. If you give consent, go along.
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Become familiar with blocking services and software that limit access to children and evaluate the site selection process for such blocking devices.
(Source: Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Families Meeting the Challenge of Going Online, HYG-5166-96, Marge Wolford)
Other Articles
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Age-based Guidelines for Kids' Internet Use
Improve your family's Web security in 4 steps
Using family contracts to help protect your kids online
