Best Practices: Tips for Parents- Don't rely on a program to do your job! Filtering and blocking programs can be a part of your Internet safety plan at home, but they don't take the place of an informed and involved parent.
- Be Pro-Active Attend our free online classes and spend some time listening to and speaking with other concerned parents.
- Participate with your child online Get to know the services and programs your child uses - ask them to show you how their favorite chatroom works, or the online gaming that they participate in.
- Make a promise and keep it! Promise your children that you won't get angry if they come to you with a problem about an online situation. Stay calm and remember that your child trusted you to help when they came to you - don't let them down!
- Plan ahead Talk to your children about the things that they may encounter online. You don't have to scare them, but teach them that your values offline match your values online. Spend time using search engines with your children - and showing them how to be a discriminating surfer.
- Encourage their other interests Children shouldn't spend excessive amount of time online - it's just not healthy for them. Encourage them in their offline activities.
- Think "Mall" You wouldn't drop your child off alone in a mall, so don't "drop them off" online either. Keep an eye on them!
- Set an Example If you download pirated MP3 files, don't be surprised when your child's teacher calls you in for a conference about plagiarised homework.
- A time and place for everything Keep your computer in a "common" room - where you can keep an eye on it! You wouldn't allow a stranger in the bedroom with your child, don't allow them in via computer either. Grant your children Internet access only when you are at home and awake. If they can't hang out at the park at 2:00 a.m., they shouldn't be surfing then either!
- Be fearless Don't be afraid of your computer or the Internet, they are wonderful tools that can enrich the lives of every member of your family. Trust your instincts and jump right in. The more you know, the better you can protect your family.
