Safety Tips for Surfing the Internet

PEOPLE YOUR CHILD MEETS ON THE INTERNET ARE STRANGERS
Remind your child that people she meets on the Internet are strangers. Just as she
should not give out her address, her telephone number, her name, the location of her
school, or any other information to a stranger, she should not give out personal
information to people she meets on the Internet.
TALK WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT WHAT HE SEES AND DOES ON
THE INTERNET
Encourage your child to talk to you right away about anything on the Internet
that makes him feel uncomfortable.
ASK YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE PEOPLE SHE MEETS ON THE
INTERNET
Make sure that your child talks to you directly about anyone she has met on the
Internet who wants to meet her in person.
MEETING “FRIENDS” FROM THE INTERNET IN PERSON REQUIRES
ADULT SUPERVISION
Establish a firm rule that your child may not go to meet someone he met on the
Internet unless a parent or other responsible adult goes with him.
E-MAILING PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD BE DONE ONLY WITH
PERMISSION
Explain to your child that it is not safe to e-mail pictures of herself or any other personal
information without first checking with you. Let her know that just as it is
important that you know who her friends are and what she does with her friends, it is
important that she talks with you before beginning an e-mail friendship with a new
person.
HAVE FREQUENT DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT CONVERSATIONS
AND MESSAGES HE RECEIVES THROUGH THE INTERNET
Encourage your child to talk to you about any messages that are mean or make him
feel uncomfortable. Reassure your child that he is not to blame if he gets a message of
that kind. Urge him to confide in you, reminding him that you are on his team.
SET CLEAR HOUSE RULES ABOUT INTERNET USE
As with all media, set limits on Internet use. Be clear about your rules and expectations,
and let your child know that you want her to enjoy the Internet for the wonderful
resource it is. Emphasize that the guidelines you have set up will enable her to
enjoy the Internet safely.