Consumer Reports Update

Internet Safety
Tips for Children

As the summer winds down and parents and teachers are preparing for the start of another school year, it is important for refresh our knowlege about internet safety for parents, teachers, and children.

There is nothing more alarming than to find out your child or student has been contacted by an inappropriate website or an online predator. As with identity theft, in today's online climate, and with the increasing popularity of online social networking websites like MySpace.com, criminals have found new ways to reach out to today's youth and access personal information via the Internet. Now more than ever, it is critical that we continue to be informed about what our children are doing Online, and moreso, who is contacting them during their Online sessions.

It is important to talk with your children and students about proper computing communications and areas in which they are allowed to surf the Net, as well as the single most important protection, to not share any personal information with individuals unknown to them via the Internet, such as phone numbers, addresses or places they like to visit

The Federal Trade Commission promotes the CyberSmart! educational program that provides a comprehensive set of free lesson plans, student activities, and related materials for teachers and families to introduce the skills associated with 21st Century literacy, citizenship, and ethics. Below are some more resources in learning about safe computing and child online protections.

If you feel that you or your child has been contacted in an inappropriate manner while Online, please report this activity to the local authorities.

 


SafeKids.com

 

iSAFE.org

 

NetSafeKids logo
NetSafeKids

 

Child Lures Prevention
Child Lures Prevention

 

AT&T Worldnet.
AT&T Online Resources

 


"OnGuardOnLine.gov was created to provide practical tips from the Federal Government and technology industry to help you be on guard from Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your information."

 

There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when you're on your computer at home or at school. (provided by the FBI)

  • First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room
    or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
  • Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
  • Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
  • Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.


Federal Trade Commission

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Parent's Guide to Internet Safety

 

Illinois Attorney General's Office