Child Internet Safety Rules

The number one priority when it comes to using the Internet is making sure our kids have a safe Internet experience. Often, parents do not recognize the danger pose to their children and do not take the necessary steps to ensure their safety, or they do not know how to create child Internet safety rules for their kids.

• Parents should implement rules governing Internet use regardless to whether the child accesses the web via a computer or a cell phone. They should make it known that all Internet activity will be monitored. This means parents will have access to their child's email account, all social network pages regardless to the age of the child. Parents may choose to instead of constantly monitoring high school children track the sites that they use to ensure their safety.


•  One important step to ensure Internet safety is to place the computer in an area where everyone has access such as a family room or kitchen. Young children should not have a computer in their room.  


• Children including teenagers should understand that their personal information such as name, school address, activities and home address should not be shared with any one they meet online. If this information is necessary, they must request their parent's permission before giving any information out.


• Another important rule is to determine what sites your youngster can visit and what information they can download. Also, decide whether your child can participate in any chat rooms. This is important because often predators roam chat rooms and prey on young children. So, always think about predators when you establish Internet safety for your kids.


• The best way to provide child Internet safety is to keep the line of communications open with your child. Let them know that you are available if they have any questions or feel uncomfortable with any sites or people they come in contact with while online.