Online safety for children

Some final tips for parents and children for online safety. This information is taken directly from the National Crime Prevention Council website.

Tips for Socializing Safely

· Think about how different sites work before deciding to join a site.

· Keep some control over the information you post.

· Keep vital information to yourself.

· Make sure your screen name doesn't reveal too much about you.

· Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing about you.

· Remember, once your information is posted, you can't take it back. Someone can forward this information and millions of people have access.

· Consider not posting your picture.

· Don't flirt with strangers online.

Tips for Parents

· Use the Internet with your children.

· Teach our children never to give out personal information.

· Instruct your child never to plan a face-to-face meeting with online acquaintances.

· Establish clear ground rules for Internet use within your family.

· Tell your children not to respond if they receive offensive or dangerous email, chat requests, o other types of communication and to tell you when this occurs.

· Place your computer in a room that's open and accessible to all family members (not in your child's room).

· Consider installing software filters that prevent your child from entering inappropriate websites.

· Consider installing monitoring software that prevents your child from entering personal information.

Tips for Youth

· Remember, your profile is on a public space.

· People aren't always who they say they are.

· Harassment, hate speech, and inappropriate content should be reported. Tell your parents or an adult if this happens.

· Don't mislead people into thinking that you're older or younger than you really are.

· Don't post anything that would embarrass you later.

· Always follow your family's rules for using the Internet.

· Don't open up emails, files, or web pages that you get from people you don't really know or trust.

· Don't ever do anything that could cost your family money unless your parents are there to help you do it.

· Don't ever give out your password.

If feel that you are a victim from Internet crime contact the Sheriff's Office immediately. We can and will help you remedy the situation.