Talk to your children about the Internet and potential online dangers.
Establish ground rules.
Never give out identifying information -- home address, school name, or telephone number -- in a public message forum such as chat rooms, blogs or bulletin boards, and be sure you're dealing with someone that both you and your child know and trust before giving it out via e-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your service allows it.
Know the Web pages your child uses. If you don't know how to log on, get your child to show you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable material.
Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.
Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling (800) 843-5678 or visiting the CyberTipline. You should also notify your online service provider.
Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Thus, someone indicating that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could in reality be a 50-year-old man.
Post the ground rules near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor your child's compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer.
Don't use the computer as an electronic baby sitter.
Information compiled from: Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, WiredSafety.org Web sites
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