Online Safety Basics

1. Use the parental controls available on the commercial online services. These services screen public content and provide online hosts to monitor chat rooms. Also use filtering software to screen out adult sites on the Web.

2. Consider placing the computer in a "family room" in your home and make use of the Internet a family activity. Check the screen periodically and let your children know that you are interested in what they are learning online.

3. Ask your children where they go online, and have them show you. If your children are more familiar with the Internet than you are, let them teach you about it, you will both enjoy the lesson!

4. Monitor online time. Be aware of excessive hours on the Internet.

5. Make sure your children are aware of online rules. They should know never to give out their real name, address and/or telephone number, or agree to meet with someone person to person. Advise your children that some people on the Internet conceal their real age and identity. Create a list of online rules and post them by the computer.

6. Monitor your modem telephone bill. Adult Bulletin Board Systems are easy to access by any communications software. Check out any unfamiliar numbers on your bill.

7. Support and encourage your child's use of the Internet, and participate in new learning experiences. Acquaint yourself with their online pals and email habits. Be aware of correspondence with strangers.

We also recommend utilizing software which is available on the market today. This software is customizable by the parent and can block newsgroups, picture files, chat rooms, etc.

Filtering Software Companies

Home | LINE2 | Custom Calling Services | Service Gaurantee
How are we doing? | TDS Corporate
Follow Me To HERD