Cyber Space Safety Tips

Today, one of the most helpful yet dangerous resources in our home is the family computer. Stories of cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying and just general mayhem and mischief concern parents everywhere. Here are some tips and resources to help you keep your kids safe as they navigate the Internet socially and for school.

• Stay on top of who is going where on the family computer.Even if you keep close track of what sites your kids are visiting, it never hurts to type "history" into the search box in your Internet browser or "Help" window to see what sites have been visited recently. Keeping the family computer in a visible area of the home is important.
   
• Limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids get no more than two hours of "screen time" per day, which includes television and computers. If your child is clamoring for a personal page, remind them that Facebook or MySpace have age requirements – users must be 14 years or older in most cases. Set a timer if needed; 30 minutes per computer session is ideal.
   
• Be aware of cyberbullying. Help your kids understand how typed words and posted images can be devastating to others if used in a hurtful or hateful way. Create family policies for proper usage of emails and text messages. If your child comes home and complains of bullying, make sure you listen to his or her concerns and follow-up with the appropriate people.

Check out these web sites, which provide a variety of information and strategies to help you become more Internet savvy:

• Bully OnLine helps parents determine what might be going on in a cyberbullying situation – what the motivations and techniques of the bully might be and ways to help your child survive being a victim of cyberbullying.
   
• GetNetWise is a public service site sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation. There is a comprehensive guide on Internet safety. The Online Safety Guide targets a wide variety of age groups and also provides safety software recommendations and links to kid friendly sites.
   
• iSAFE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids safe online. Check out the multi-media guides for kids and teens as well as learning modules and curricula for parents and teachers.
   
• Kidz Privacy from the Federal Trade Commission, offers guidelines for parents and computer savvy kids.
   
• Wired Safety is one of the oldest and largest Internet safety organizations. Look over their videos, articles and tips for families including Internet-use contracts that parents and children can sign and a number of downloadable booklets.

Safe Search Filters:

www.KidRocket.org

www.SurfKnight.com

www.KidsClick.org