While online computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for young people, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they explore the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of online services and the Internet. The following is a list of helpful tips to protect your family.

Develop a trusting relationship with your child early

Keep the door of communication open

If you have reason to suspect your child is viewing inappropriate sites, do not overact – approach your son or daughter with respect

Add to online profiles that you monitor your child’s use of the Internet

Keep your computers in heavy traffic areas in your home

Know your children’s online friends

Use a pre-filter

Check CD’s, floppy and zip disks

Check History Files often

Spend time with your child as they surf the Internet

Ask your child to show you what IM (Instant messaging) looks like

Spend time with your child on-line, and have them teach you about their favorite on-line destinations

Get to know and use the “Parental Controls” provided by your Internet Service Provider and/or blocking software

Always maintain access to your child’s on-line account, and randomly check his or her account

Teach your child about responsible use of the resources on the Internet

Find out what safeguards are used at your child’s school, the public library and at the homes of your child’s friends. These are all places, outside your supervision, where a child could encounter an on-line predator

Instruct your child NEVER to arrange face-to-face meetings with someone they met on-line and NOT to respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent or harassing

Tell your child to NEVER give out identifying information such as name, address, school name or telephone number to people they don’t know

Explain to your child to NEVER post pictures of them on the Internet – let them know this has seriously harmed other children

Teach your child to come and get you when they accessed something on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable, no matter what it is

Teach your child that the Internet is a good source for educational, recreational and creative searches, but has intentional landmines placed that could hurt them