GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
Become more computer literate, get to know
the services your child uses. Find out what types of information it
offers and whether there are built-in ways to block out
objectionable material.
Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting
your child's name if your service allows it. Steer away from online
profiles. Pedophiles often use profiles as a means to find victims.
Never allow a child to arrange a
face-to-face meeting with another computer user without permission.
If a meeting is arranged, make the first meeting in a public place
and accompany your child to the meeting.
Do not allow your child to respond to
messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene,
belligerent, or threatening. Forward a copy of such messages to your
Internet service provider.
Call the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if you are aware of the
transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography online.
Never give out any personal information
such as your address, telephone number, work number, or your child's
school name.
Keep the computer in your family room
where you can watch and monitor your child's activities.
Share an E-mail account with your child so
that you can oversee his or her mail.
Spend as much time as possible online
together to show your children proper behavior and rules.
Do not allow your children to go into
private chat rooms without you being present.
Monitor your credit card bill. Many
pornographic Internet sites require credit card payments in order to
gain access.
Consider using an online service that has
special child accounts with restricted access to chat rooms and the
Internet.
Always keep in mind that as you move
through the Internet, you leave information about yourself. When a
user posts to USENET.IRC chat rooms or listservers, the user reveals
their mailing address so others can contact them. Some web sites
also collect information called "cookies." "Cookies" are compiled
lists of information that may include your name, address, telephone
number, and possibly even your credit card number. Ask your Internet
service provider how to turn off your "cookies."
TIPS FOR TEENS
Don’t give out personal information about
your family situation, school, telephone number, or address.
If you become aware of the transmission,
use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately
report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children at 1-800-843-5678.
When “chatting” in chat rooms, remember
that not everyone is who they say they are, for example a person who
says "she" is a 14-year-old girl from New York may really be a
42-year-old man from California.
If someone harasses you online, says
anything inappropriate, or does anything that makes you feel
uncomfortable, contact your Internet service provider.
Know that there are rules many Internet
service providers have about online behavior. If you violate these
rules, your Internet service provider may give you a “time out” and
disable your account either temporarily or permanently.
Consider volunteering at your local
library, school, or Boys and Girls Club to help younger children
online. Many schools and nonprofit organizations are in need of
people to help set up their computers and Internet capabilities.
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN ON THE INTERNET
Do not give personal information such as
your address, telephone number, parent's work address or telephone
number, or the name and location of your School.
Tell your parents if something that you
come across online makes you feel uncomfortable.
Never agree to get together with someone
you "meet" online without your parents permission. If your parents
agree to the meeting, be sure the meeting is in a public place and
that you bring them along.
Never respond to messages or bulletin
board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening,
or make you feel uncomfortable. Give a copy of such messages to your
parents and have them forward it to your Internet service provider.
Never send pictures of yourself or any
other personal material to a friend you meet online without telling
your parents first.
Follow the rules that your parents set for
your online activities.
There are places on the Internet that are
for adults only. If you find yourself in one of those areas LEAVE
and go to one of the cool places on the Internet for kids.
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