Rules for the Road
Safety on the Information Highway
Parent Tips
For parents, the internet can sometimes seem like a scary place. The news seems full of stories about the dangers of cyberspace. The good news is that millions of people use the internet safely every day. Some basic safety rules can let your child explore the world using a truly fabulous tool.
- Teach your child that strangers online are no different than strangers they meet in person. Kids shouldn't share personal information (names, addresses, passwords, phone numbers, school names and locations, and so on) with a stranger they meet in town or at a ballgame without a parent's okay. The same is true online.
- Be a part of your child's online life! You should know what websites your child is visiting, and who your child communicates with online. Decide on the websites your child can visit, and how long they may use the computer.
- One of the simplest things you can do is to put your computer in a place where you can easily supervise your child. Until you are certain your child is old enough to understand and follow your internet safety rules, don't put a computer in your child's bedroom!
- Talk to your child about being a good online citizen. Children should be taught early to be kind and courteous online--nobody likes a bully! Children should also learn to obey copyright laws. It's never too early to learn that online text, pictures, music, and programs belong to the people who created them.
Kid Rules
Teach your child 4 simple rules:
- Don't share personal information or agree to meet with anyone online without the permission of your parent or teacher.
- Tell a grown-up right away if something online makes you upset.
- Visit only the websites your parents and teachers have allowed.
- Be a good online citizen!
Resources for Parents
NetSmartz
iSafe
Center for Screen Time Awareness
Resources for Educators
Ten Tips for Internet Safety from School CIO
CyberSmart for Teachers
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