Internet Safety

"Be conscious of what your computer is capable of and whom it can connect you to. It has effectively invited the entire world into your home, but is everyone welcome?"
	(John Douglas, author of "Anyone You Want Me to Be: A True Story of Sex and Death on the Internet," Scribner Book Company, June 2003)

We teach our children how to be safe by not touching things that are hot, looking both ways before crossing the street, and not talking to strangers. There's another set of safety skills your child needs - how to be safe on the Internet.

What Can You Do?

If you don't know a lot about computers or the Internet, learn. Ask your child to show you as they learn or check out computer classes in your community. Good places to look for classes include continuing education programs offered by your local school district, community colleges and even some computer stores offer computer classes.

Talk with your child about what they enjoy doing online. This way you can help them find sites that match their interests and that are safe and appropriate for their age.

Stress the importance of privacy when talking with your children

Stress the importance of not giving out personal information. Even a question as innocent as "what's your school mascot" divulges important information about your child.

Other personal information that should never be revealed online includes:

name (use an alias or screen name)
address
school name
email address
telephone numbers
passwords
photos

Warn them that people may misrepresent themselves online. Someone may pretend to be a child but really be an adult. The anonymity of the Internet makes it impossible to know who are really talking to online.

Monitor When and Where Your Child is On Line

Monitor how much time your child spends on the computer and help your child balance this time with other activities. Did you know there are tools available that let you specify how much time your child can use the computer? Or when? Maybe you only want them online when you're home? You can search for tools like this here.

Place your computer in a family room or other public room in your home. This way you can see what your child is doing and what pages he/she is visiting. Children are less likely to venture onto sites you would not approve of if they are being monitored.

Establish computer and Internet rules that best fit your family. Make sure your children understand the rules and post them near the computer as a reminder.

Talk to parents of your children's friends about your rules for Internet activity. Most parents probably share an agreement on basic rules like smoking, drinking and unsupervised activity; it's time to add online activities to the list. Keep in mind that even if you don't have a computer or Internet access at home your child has access at a friend's house, school or the library.

Get Help If Your Need It

If you suspect that your child is being pursued by an online predator act quickly. Call your local police at 248-549-1000 or the cyber tip line for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (800-843-5678).

Family Resources on Internet Safety

Cyber Savvy

This site is maintained by the Direct Marketing Association and has information geared towards educators, parents, and children.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

This site is operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and has a lot of good information for parents, law enforcement and anyone concerned about children's safety.

Net Smartz

This site is sponsored by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children & the Boys and Girls Club of America. This site has information specifically written for children and teens and has real-life examples of bad online experiences and consequences as well as games that help teach children important safety rules in language they can understand.

U.S. Department of Education

This site is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education and has a thorough explanation of the Internet and safety issues.

American Library Association

This site is maintained by the American Library Association. They offer information for parents about web filtering, information for children about how to research topics for school.

GetNetWise

GetNetWise is funded by a variety of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations. Information on their site includes online privacy, spam and virus control. In addition they provide information for parents about online safety for children.

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Parents' Guide to Internet Safety

This site is maintained by the FBI and provides an overview to parents on Internet safety. Areas covered include signs that your child may be involved in a dangerous online relationship and what to do about it.

Michigan State Police - Cuff a Creep

This site is maintained by the Michigan State Police and offers information to parents and children about Internet Safety.