Tips+For+Parents

=Tips For Parents:  = 

**Here are some great tips for parents: **
 (information found at: [|http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/safetytips.htm)] = We know you have questions when it comes to you children’s safety! = = =  [|Wiredsafty.org] provides links to answer these commonly asked questions: >  Don't forget to check out our page on cyberbullying! 
 * Create your own computer rules and post them by the computer. Keep them simple and clear. Make sure that your children understand the rules.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Try looking into safeguarding programs on your online service provider. These may include monitoring or filtering capabilities.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Talk to children about what personal information is and why you should never give it to people online.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">If you child uses some sort of chat online make sure that they not to give out any personal information about themselves.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">talk to children about not responding to offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat, or other communications. Report any such communication to local law enforcement. Do not delete the offensive or dangerous e-mail; turn off the monitor, and contact local law enforcement.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Have the family computer in the living room or open room where it is visible to others.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Know about computers and the internet. Get informed! There are websites they can help you get informed and stay informed.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Let your children show you what they know about computers and their favorite sites.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Have your child use safe, friendly, search engines for their homework.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Know who your children are exchanging emails with and only allow them to use chat rooms if you are present.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Be aware of other computers your child may have access to.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Internet accounts should be in the parent's name with parents having the primary screenname, controlling passwords, and using blocking and/or filtering devices.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Children should not fill out any profile information about themselves for any internet provider or websites.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Talk to your child and let them know if someone says anything to them online that may scare them, harm them or make them feel uncomfortable that they should tell you or a trusted adult.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Consider using filtering or monitoring software for your computer. Filtering products that use whitelisting, which only allows a child access to a preapproved list of sites, are recommended for children in this age group. NetSmartz does not advocate using filters only; education is a key part of prevention.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">If you suspect online "stalking" or sexual exploitation of a child, report it to your local law-enforcement agency. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has a system for identifying online predators and child pornographers and contributing to law-enforcement investigations. It's called the [|CyberTipline]®. Leads forwarded to the site will be acknowledged and shared with the appropriate law-enforcement agency for investigation.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|What if I find out my child is being cyberbullied or they are the cyberbully?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">[|How do I know when to call the police or just when to ignore something?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|How can I tell if my child is communicating with an Internet predator?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|Is there software I can use to track what my kids are saying and doing online?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|What can you tell me more about interactive gaming devices, like X-Box Live and Sony Playstation 2 Network?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|I heard WiredSafty.org runs a program for teens called Teenangels. How can I learn more?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">[|My children have a project they need to do on online safety, Can you help?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|What about safer search engines?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|I have no sense for cyberspace, can you make this simple for me?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">[|What is IM? And, what is this about a secret code kids use online?]
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> [|What about cell phones?]

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif">Audio Slide Show: Using Vista’s Parental Controls
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif"> Here’s a video clip safekids.com posted on YouTube about how to turn on and use Vista’s Parental Controls:

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Brought to you by CS211A 2008 (Erika & Kerrie)