How to Teach Your Child About Internet Safety?

The World Wide Web is a wonderful tool; with a little bit of education and caution, surfing the Web can be a great experience for your kids.

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Service Providers
• Computers
• Blocking Software

Instructions

Step 1

Help your child pick out a screen name or user name. Avoid names that include a name and/or an age, such as Johnny10.

Step 2

Surf the Web with your child, letting him or her lead your exploration together (if your child is experienced enough).

Step 3

Visit some sites for children together.

Step 4

Teach your child that other people are using the Web just as you are, and explain that it’s hard to tell whether they’re telling the truth about themselves.

Step 5

Discuss with your child the potentially harmful topics that could show up on the Web, such as violence, hate material and pornography.

Step 6

Warn your child not to give out personal information over the Internet, send pictures of himself or herself, or meet someone in person without your permission.

Step 7

Warn your child not to join any mailing lists without your permission.

Step 8

Encourage your child not to visit sites or respond to messages that seem strange or scary.

Step 9

Encourage your child to speak to you or a teacher whenever he or she encounters anything that makes him or her uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose an online service that has parental control features, or buy blocking software to design your own control system.
• Monitor your child when he or she is online.
• If your child receives offensive material over the Internet, save it and contact your Internet service provider and the police immediately.