Basic guidelines to share with your kids for safe online use:
  • Follow the family rules, and those set by the Internet service provider.
  • Never post or trade personal pictures.
  • Never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location.
  • Use only a screen name and don't share passwords (other than with parents).
  • Never agree to get together in person with anyone met online without parent approval and/or supervision.
  • Never respond to a threatening email, message, post, or text.
  • Always tell a parent or other trusted adult about any communication or conversation that was scary or hurtful.
Kids need strategies to help them benefit from the Internet and avoid its potential risks.  By exploring the Internet with your kids, you greatly expand its capacity as an educational tool.  By providing guidance and discussion along the way, you increase kids' online skills and confidence along with their ability to avoid potential risks.  It's up to parents and guardians to assess the potential risks and benefits of permitting their kids to use the wide range of Internet websites and applications available.  The following websites can provide assistance: