10 Tips for keeping your child safe online

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While the Internet is an essential part of life nowadays, the dangers children face online are more rampant than ever.

Here are some tips recommended to all families concerned with the safety of their kids online.

10 Tips for keeping your child safe online

1. Keep the computer in a communal area.
 

2. Know your child's passwords (While you may never find it necessary to use them, it is important know passwords in case of an emergency.)
 

3. Create an Internet usage contract with your child, including rules for use away from home, and require a signature so the child acknowledges their awareness of the rules.
 

4. Share fun and interesting websites with your kids. (Show them where they can go to learn a language, or how to play an instrument.  Nurture their passions with online tools.)

5. Maintain open communication with your child about Internet usage so they feel comfortable approaching you when they come across inappropriate content.

6. Join Facebook and/or MySpace and add your child as a "friend". (This will help you monitor who your child is "friends" with, and keep an eye out for cyber bullies.)
 

7.  Don't forget about mobile devices - iPod Touch, smart phones, and other popular devices  give users full Internet capabilities in the palm of their hand, including social networking and browsing all topics of interest.

8. Install protective software. (Blocking and monitoring software are both vital to keeping your child safe on the computer.)
 

9. Continue educating yourself-things are always changing! Knowledge is power.
 

10. Share your knowledge of the dangers of the Internet with your child, i.e. permanence of the Internet, dangers of posting pictures and personal information.
 

Internet safety is not being taught in schools, so it is up to us as parents to educate our children.

Resources:

* These tips were brought to you by www.poogling.com,

Fifth District PTA, San Bernardino, CA