Keeping Our Children Safe Online—A Vital Task

It is an unfortunate reality in today's world that there are online predators who would harm children. It is important for all of us to be informed and aware. Children need guidance from parents about how to navigate both the benefits and hazards of the Internet, just as they do in the real world.

• Be sure to establish clear guidelines and rules for online use—not just time limitations.
• Know who your children are talking to.
• Talk to your children about the Internet and act as a role model of safe online behavior for them.
• Reinforce that it's not safe to talk to strangers online, either.
• Make sure your children understand how dangerous it is to give out personal information such as their name, address, photographs of themselves or E-mail address.
• Let your children know that they should come to you or another trusted adult any time they feel threatened or uncomfortable online.
• Teach children it is dangerous to get together with someone they first "meet" online.

For more information, visit these sites:

The Wisconson State Telecommunications Association has links to a number of valuable online safety resources:

wsta.info/internet.htm

The Help Delete Online Predators page has useful information for parents:

www.missingkids.com/adcouncil

Don’t Believe the Type is a site specifically for teens:

tcs.cybertipline.com/