Internet Safety

Now that summer is here, kids have more free time to search and play on the internet.

Allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore a major metropolitan area by themselves. By exploring the Internet with your kids, you greatly expand its capacity as an educational tool. By providing guidance and discussion along the way, you increase kids’ online skills and confidence along with their ability to avoid potential risks. And you might be surprised by what kids teach you at the same time.

Just a couple ideas to keep in mind:
Place your child's computer in an open room instead of their bedroom.
Set rules for when and how long they can be on line.
Take time to write down your rules and even have your child sign them and post them next to the computer as a constant reminder of your expectations.

Examples of these rules and other tips for parents and children can be found at www.NetSmartz.org.