Safety and Security

The World Wide Web is a wonderful place for learning and entertainment, but like the world around us, it can pose dangers if precautions are not taken.  Allowing free access puts your child, your computer and your personal data at risk.

You can take simple steps that will allow your child to enjoy the vast of array of benefits that the Internet offers with limited risk and worry.

Tips to Protect Your Children

• Keep your home computer in a central and open location. Be aware of other computers your child may be using.
• Surf the Internet with your children.  It’s good for you to know children's online activities. Talk regularly with your children about computer use. Do they use instant messaging? Do they watch online videos?  
• Use parental control tools. They are available for free from many Internet service providers, or they can be purchased in software packages.  With these controls a parent can, for example, block Web sites with adult content and see a full list of the sites your child visited and what they did while on those sites (such as downloading pictures or sending emails.)
• Monitor what your child does online. Sign up for OnlineFamily.Norton and you'll be able to manage where your kids go online, how long they are online, who they talk to, and what information they're sharing with others.
• Consider separate accounts on your computer.  Most operating systems (including Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS X and Unix) allow you to create a different account for each user. This eliminates the chance that your child might accidentally access, modify, change settings and/or delete your files.  You can different access and privileges for each separate account.
• Create and discuss rules for computer use with your children. Post these rules by the computer as a reminder.
• Rules should include a list of permitted chat areas. Know your children's online friends.
• Teach your children never to give out personal information to people they meet online such as in chat rooms or bulletin boards.
• Know whom to contact if you believe your child is in danger. Visit http://kids.getnetwise.org/ for detailed information.
• If you know of a child in immediate risk or danger, call law enforcement right away. Report instances of online child exploitation to the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline. Reports may be made 24-hours a day, 7 days per week at www.cybertipline.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.

Children often have better technical skills than adults, but don't be intimidated by their knowledge. They still need advice, guidance, and protection. Talk openly; let your child know that you can be approached with any questions they may have.