Eight Steps to Child Safety on the Internet

Keep the following guidelines in mind for children who go on the Internet:

1. Never give out identifying information in a public message, such as one posted to a chat room or bulletin board, and be sure you are dealing with someone you know and trust before giving out such information via e-mail.

2. Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your Internet service provider (ISP) allows it.

3. Get to know the services available from the ISP your child uses. Find out what types of information your ISP offers, and whether there are ways for parents to block access to objectionable material.

4. Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission, and then only in a public area, with a parent present.

5. Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages.

6. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, sexual in nature, or threatening, forward it to your ISP and ask for their assistance.

7. Make it clear to your child that they can tell you about any material they find that makes them feel uncomfortable.

8. Talk to your children about these rules and make sure they understand why they are important. Consider signing an Agreement to Abide by the Rules and posting it by the computer.