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HOW TO USE INTERNET SAFELY (A guide for parents)

:     Use the Internet with your child (see the WISE KIDS website for examples of good websites). If you are unsure, ask them how websites and chat rooms work. Attend classes to improve your Internet skills.

:     Use child-friendly search directories like http://www.yahooligans.com or http://www.ajkids.com or http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!/. Click here for a more complete list.

:     Teach your child how to evaluate information on websites. Because a website looks smart does not mean that its content is true.

:     Talk to your children about the things that they may encounter online.  Without scaring them, make them aware of chat room danger, web sites with inaccurate information, unsuitable material online and email from strangers.  They should understand that people online are not always who they say they are.

:     Let your children know that they can talk to you about anything that makes them uncomfortable. Remember, access to pornography sites often happens accidentally.

:     Encourage your children never to give out any personal information (photos, name of schools, mobile nos etc) either belonging to themselves or their friends to people they have met online. Some websites also ask for forms to be filled. It is often useful to use a “junk” email address for such occasions.

:     Encourage children never to open emails, files or web pages from people they do not know, as viruses can be spread unknowingly.

:     Encourage your child never to respond to threatening or offensive messages, but to let you know if they encounter such messages.

:     Learn about your children’s online friends, and discuss these relationships with them.

:     Ensure that your child does not contact a new online friend without you being present.

:     Remind your children never to meet anyone they have met online without your permission and presence, and explain the reasons for this.

:     Keep your computer in a “common” room, where you can keep an eye on it.

:     Allow your young children Internet access only when you are present. Consider the use of filtering software. See the GetNetWise website below.

:     Ensure that your children do not become Internet addicts by laying down simple rules about time spent on the Internet.  Encouraging their other interests will also help.