Internet Safety

CRIME PREVENTION “TIP OF THE WEEK”

Internet Safety

Set aside time to explore the Internet with your children. If your child has some computer
experience, let them lead the way. Teach your children about exploitation, pornography, hate
literature, excessive violence, and other issues that concern you, so they know how to respond if
they see this material, however innocently. Also remind children to let you know immediately if they
find something scary or threatening on the Internet. If your child receives threatening e-mail or
pornographic materials, save the material and contact local law enforcement.

Ideas to Consider:
Teach children NOT to give out identifying information such as: name, passwords, parent’s
name, home address, school name, and telephone number.
Know the Internet services your child is using.
Never allow your child to meet face-to-face with someone they met on the Internet without
your permission and without a parent going with them.
Keep your computer in an area where there is adult supervision, as in the kitchen or family
room, NOT in their bedroom.
Keep the computer time limited to only a short time daily or weekly.
Children should never be allowed to enter an area that charges for services without parent
permission.
If your child uses the public library computer, know their Internet access policy.
If a child’s friend has Internet access, know what their family rules are for Internet use.
Children should NOT be allowed to send pictures of themselves or family via the Internet without parental permission.