Internet/Phone/Texting Safety Tips for Parents
- Do teach your child not to post identifying information on the Internet.
- Do set a limit for how much time your child can spend online.
- Do keep the computer in a public room in the house. Do not have an Internet-connected computer in your child's bedroom.
- Do utilize parental controls provided by your Internet Service Provider and/or blocking software. (Contact your Internet ISP if you have questions).
- Do talk to your children about purchasing "in app" products.
- Do talk to your child about using any location services on their device.
- Do periodically review your child's computer, emails and messages. You should have all of your children's passwords.
- Do spend time with your child online. Have them show you their favorite online destinations. Get to know your child's online friends as you would their real-life friends. Learn to navigate the web.
- Do know who they text and email. Most providers have online ways to identify frequent contacts so you can see if someone new appears as a contact.
- Do monitor your child's access to the Internet and texting.
- Do talk to your child about the danger of Internet predators.
- Do watch for unexplained changes in your child's behavior.
- Do NOT hesitate to seek help from law enforcement if you think a predator may be targeting your child.
- For more helpful Internet safety information, please visit www.netsmartz.orq.
- Netsmartz.org has age appropriate videos, activities, and information for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school.