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10 Rules of Internet Safety for Kids

When your child spends time on the computer, do you know what he's doing or who he's communicating with? A study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children revealed that, while a majority of parents reported that they talked to their children about Internet use and established rules for the safe use of the computer, less than half of them regularly checked their child's activity on the Internet. In addition, over half of the children surveyed did not need parental permission to use the Internet and didn't have any restrictions as to the number of hours they could spend on the Internet.

Many parents have a false sense of security regarding Internet use because they view the computer as a safe educational tool. They believe that because their children are at home, and often in their own rooms, they are safe from harm. But this is not always true. As in all areas of your child's life, you need to stay involved, keep the lines of communication open about Internet activities, and develop rules of safety.


Children should:

1. Never give out personal information on the Internet, such as their address, telephone number, the name or location of their school, or their parents' names. Websites or other online services may ask children for information in order to enter special contests or to obtain free gifts. Other websites won't allow access unless the user gives them personal information. However, once personal information is given, it is important that your children understand that their privacy can be compromised. Their names could end up on a sales database, or worse, the information could be used to harm or exploit them.

2. Be cautious when developing a website. Children should know never to post a home address, telephone number, or personal photograph on the site. If children wish to have people contact them, they should post an email address. However, children should be aware that once an email address is posted, they may receive unwanted messages. Children should be very cautious when opening any email from an unknown address. If children receive messages that are threatening or sexually explicit, they should immediately inform their parents.

3. Always inform their parents when they come across anything online that makes them uncomfortable. Parents and children can alert their Internet provider or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children hot line at 1-800-843-5678.

4. Never, under any circumstances, agree to meet face-to-face someone they have corresponded with online without a parent's permission. If a meeting is arranged, make sure that it takes place in public and that parents always accompany the child.

5. Avoid chat rooms that discuss sex or cults. While these topics may seem interesting at first, they could put a child in danger.

6. Be suspicious of anyone they meet in a chat room who tries to turn them against their family, friends, teachers, or religion.

7. Choose a gender-neutral online name in a chat room to avoid harassment.

8. Never respond to messages or bulletin boards that are sexually obscene, threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable in any way.

9. Never send any personal materials to an online friend, such as an address, telephone number, or photograph, without first informing parents.

10. Always be reminded that the people they meet online may not be who they say they are.