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 Here
are some basic rules to follow in order to protect your child from potential
threats when browsing the net. We also recommend that you print our Rules
for Online Safety document (pdf file, 0.03MB) which should be put
up next to your computer to remind your child how to behave safely online.
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Place the computer where the whole family can use it, rather than out
of sight in a bedroom.
- Search
out positive and fun sites. Many TV programmes and other children's
media suggest good sites to visit, including their own.
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Talk with your children to agree what kinds of sites they are allowed
to visit. Then check regularly to make sure that they stay within these
agreed limits.
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Tell your kids not to give out their personal details, including their
name, address, telephone number or school to anyone over the net. Use
of an online nickname can help here, as long as they don't pretend to
be a completely different person. Make sure they don't accept gifts
(electronic or otherwise) from strangers, or arrange meetings with new
friends unless you go with them.
- Chat sites are the main way to meet people online and can be lots of
fun. But since they can be open to misuse, make sure your children are
as cautious of strangers online as they would be in the world outside.
If they see or receive any obscene, abusive or threatening messages,
they shouldn’t respond. They should let you know, and you should
consider telling your Internet service provider. Some chat rooms are
moderated, so messages get screened to some extent, but this is not
an absolute guarantee.
- Filtering software is available to screen out some inappropriate sites.
But filters aren’t foolproof - sites and users can get round them
- so do stay involved.
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Make sure your children know that they should tell you if they come
across anything bad. If you or your child come across material that
is illegal or harmful, be prepared to report it to the Internet service
provider and the Internet
Watch Foundation. (The IWF can’t do anything about material
that is offensive, only what is dangerous or against the law.)
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Limit the time your children spend online - not only does this keep
phone expenses down, it also stops the Internet taking over their lives.
For
more information check out www.besafeonline.org.
If
you'd like us to Child Proof your computer for you, please contact
us.
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