Internet Safety Tips
How much do you know about your children's online activities? What exactly do your children do when they get on the computer each day? Where do they go? What websites do they visit and who do they talk to? Your children may be involved with the following internet activities: weblogs, instant messaging, and cyberbullying, all of which can be dangerous to your children.
1. Weblogs, also known as blogs, are the newest trend among children and adolescents. Most students use www.myspace.com or www.xanga.com to create profiles. In these profiles, children post photos, list their likes and dislikes, and decorate the site with pictures of their favorite shows or bands. They can also create a blog where they write about anything the want: daily events, homework, or how their basketball team did in their last game. Unfortunately, they also post identifying information: their name, school, age, even home address. This personal information, combined with information from their blog can be very dangerous. Anyone can access this information and use it to contact your child. In fact, 1 in 5 children online receive unwanted solicitations. Children assume that these are private-they are not! They are connected to anyone that their online 'friends' are connected to.
2. Instant Messaging: using software like AIM or MSN messenger, students can chat online with friends, in real time. This software has replaced the phone as a primary way for students to stay socially connected to their friends. However, they can also use it to talk with strangers. Research has shown that once a child has IM'd with someone three times, he/she no longer views that person as a stranger, but as someone they know.
3. Cyberbullying: cyberbullying is the harassment of someone using email, instant messaging, or blogs. Mean, rude, or hurtful statements may be sent to your child or posted about your child on a blog. Or, your child may be involved in the harassment of another student. Cyberbullying can be particularly hurtful as children often post things they would not feel comfortable saying directly to someone.
Should your child be involved in any of these activities, here are some helpful tips and resources:
Internet Tips
1. Install blocking software on your computer
2. Password protect the internet so your children can only access it with your permission and 
knowledge
3. Place the computer in a family room where you can monitor your child's online activities
4. Educate yourself: learn to check the history (previously viewed websites) and visit the websites
your children were interested in.
5. Be aware: children can set up alternate accounts and profiles to continue use myspace or instant messaging.
Helpful Websites
