Online Safety Tips for Teens

Talk with your parents about their expectations and ground rules for going online. Come to an agreement based on mutual trust and understanding.

Never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn't want known to the public at large.

Remember, people you meet in cyberspace might not be who they seem to be.

Keep your identity private. In any public forum, never give out:

your full name
your mailing address
your telephone number
your email address
the name of your school

or any other information that could help someone determine your actual identity.

Never get together with someone you 'meet' online

Never respond to email or newsgroup messages that are hostile, belligerent, inappropriate, or in any way make you feel uncomfortable.
Talk to your child about not responding to offensive or dangerous e-mail or other communications.

Talk to your child about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

Remind your child to tell a trusted adult if they see something that bothers them online.

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.

Online Safety Tips for Parents

Talk to your children about what they can and cannot do online: be reasonable and set reasonable expectations. Try to understand their needs, interests, and curiousity.

Be open with your child and encourage him/her to come to you if a problem is encountered online

Clear, simple, easy-to-read house rules should be posted on or near the monitor.

Know with whom your children are exchanging e-mail

Be aware of any other computers your child may be using.

Look into safeguarding programs or options your online service provider might offer. These may include monitoring or filtering capabilities.

Learn everything you can about the Internet

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Teen Safety on the Information Highway

Source: Netsmartz