|
Internet Safety for Kids
Although there may be tons of cool and interesting information available on the Internet, not all information is appropriate for everyone. And just as there are dangers in our every day lives, so too are there dangers on the World Wide Web.
Use the following resources to help educate and protect yourself. Be sure to talk to your parents or guardians about any "family" rules you should be aware of when surfing online!
NEVER give out personal information or photos on the Internet. This includes your
address, telephone number, your real name, your parents' names or work numbers, the name and/or location of your school,
places you like to hang out, etc. Before you give any personal information to anyone via the Internet (and this includes
email!), you must first ask your parents or guardian.
Always use a nickname for all your computer related correspondence and never give out
your real name without your parents' permission.
Do not respond to mean or rude messages or messages that make you feel uncomfortable
in any way. If you feel uncomfortable, weirded out or threatened tell your parents right away!
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER agree to meet anyone that you've "met" online. If you are certain
that you want to meet someone you've met on the Internet, you must first ask your parents. If they agree, then you should
always take your mother or father with you - and always meet in a public place. But, remember, you can never make this
decision yourself. You MUST first ask your parents!
Make "family" rules that everyone in your family will follow. These family rules
should stipulate how often and for how long you can be online as well as which sites you are allowed to access and those you
are forbidden to access. Sign a family contract and never break your family's rules!
NEVER give out your email or Internet password to anyone - not even your best
friends! The only other people who should ever know your password are your mom and dad.
Educate yourself about Internet Safety. Visit SafeKids.com. Also, tell your parents about the Media
Awareness Network and use the information on both these websites to help make your family Internet rules.
The above rules have been adapted from "Kids Rules
for Online Safety" at SafeKids.com.
|
