The Internet can be a valuable resource in your child's education. She can learn typing and other basic computer skills or research school projects on any subject. However, using the Internet may also expose your child to people online who may not be whom they claim. In order to keep your child safe online, you should explain and enforce certain safety rules for Internet use in your home.
Don't Volunteer Private Information
The FBI advises that kids should never give out any personal information to strangers online or post private information on sites accessible by the public. Private information includes full names, phone numbers, addresses and school or workplaces of your child or anyone in your family.
Choose Usernames Wisely
The Illinois Attorney General recommends that kids choose online usernames that do not reveal personal information about themselves. For example, the username "JoeSmith1996" reveals not only the user's full name and gender, but also his age, as the 1996 likely represents his birth year.
Keep Pictures Private
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, advises against kids posting pictures online, as pictures may be altered and redistributed. If your child does choose to post pictures online with your permission, the FTC recommends that he only post them on private sites that only approved users, not the public, can view.
Your child should never post provocative or age-inappropriate photos online. You or your child should crop or blur out any aspect of the photo that could identify him or his location, such as team names on sports uniforms or addresses or school names visible in the background.
Socialize with Caution
Your child should proceed with caution when chatting online with someone she does not know in real life. Explain to her that people may claim to be someone online that they are not.
The FTC advises never meeting an online friend in person unless you are able to verify his identity through online research or verification from someone who knows the friend in real life. If your child wishes to meet an online friend who appears to be legitimate, you should arrange the meeting in a public place and accompany your child or send a trusted adult along.
Communicate as a Family
The FBI recommends setting your child's computer up in a common area of your home, not in her bedroom. Spend time with your child at the computer and ask her to teach you about the sites she frequents. Talk with your child regularly about her online activities and "friend" her on social networks to which she belongs.
Your child should not send a response to any harassing, threatening or pornographic images or messages from anyone with whom she communicates online. Your child should immediately inform you of these messages or images so that you may take the proper action, including reporting the sender to the authorities if warranted.
