Staying Safe on the Internet
The Internet is a wonderful resource for learning and fun. It not only offers educational opportunities, but also new ways to stay in touch with people and have fun. Your child may use the Internet to find information, enhance learning, meet and talk to people, and send and receive e-mail. But the Internet has its risks - especially for children. A child may encounter sexually explicit material, sexual predators, child pornography, violence, bullying, and information about other offensive or illegal activities, such as gambling or drug use. 

You play the key role in your child’s safety while online - your child needs your guidance. The keys to Internet safety are to:
• Learn about the Internet and how it works.
• Supervise and monitor your child’s Internet use.
• Teach your child about Internet safety.
• Use software and other tools to help protect your child.
• Know what to do if your child is exposed to a potentially dangerous situation online.

Internet safety starts with you!
Get involved - it's the single most important thing you can do to keep your child safe online.
• Teach your child why Internet safety is so important.
• Go online together.
• Keep the computer in a family area.
• Agree to time limits.
• Decide what material is off-limits.
• Find out where your child has Internet access.
• Check your Internet history log regularly.
• Maintain trust and communication.

Internet Safety Guidelines
Discuss each of these rules with your child. You may want to post them near your computer.
• Never give out personal information.
• Never meet face-to-face with someone you meet online.
• Never respond to e-mail, chat, or bulletin board messages that are suggestive, obscene, or threatening.
• Never post pictures of yourself on the Internet.
• Never download pictures from an unknown source.
• Never open an e-mail from someone you don’t know.

Parental control tools are not a substitute for supervising your child’s Internet use.
Remember, YOU are your child’s best protection online.