SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE
Watch.......
* Keep the computer in a family room so parents can monitor what happens online.
* Be alert if children receive gifts or letters in the mail or unusual phone calls.
* Keep kids out of chat rooms or monitor their chats. Know whom they talk to.
* See what Web sites children create online. Review what information and pictures are being released. MySpace.com discourages posting any personally identifiable information.
* Take a peek at the computer screen occasionally.
* Review what files are on the computer. If computers are too confusing, ask a friend, relative or co-worker to help.
Talk..........
* Let children know not to give out personal information such as phone numbers or addresses.
* Explain that people might not be who they claim to be. Some adults pretend to be kids.
* Encourage children to discuss their favorite Web sites and talk about what happens on the Internet, including people they meet.
Limit............
* Children should not spend too much time on the Internet, especially late at night.
* Set time limits on surfing and restrict most computer use for specific purposes, such as schoolwork.
* Consider installing software that monitors Internet surfing.
Sources: WiredKids.org, MySpace.com, FBI
