• Learn everything you can about the Internet. Being familiar with the Internet will not only help you understand the risks, but it will also help you talk to your kids.

 

 

• Set standards for what your kids can and cannot do online. Don't wait until something bad happens to control someone

 

 

• Teach your kids to keep personal information private.

It's usually a bad idea to post personal information online

such as phone numbers, addresses, and credit cards.

If criminals gain access to this information, they can use

it to harm you or your family.

 

 

• Teach your kids to use social networking sites safely.

Sites like Facebook allow kids—and adults—to share

photos and videos of themselves, as well as have

conversations with friends and strangers. If your kids

share something with friends, it's still possible for it to get into the wrong hands. Generally, they should only post something online if they're comfortable with everyone in the world seeing it.

 

 

• Encourage your kids to come to you if they encounter a problem. If your child gets into trouble online, you'll want him or her to come to you instead of hiding it. Keep in mind that your kids could accidentally encounter a bad site, even if they're doing everything right.

 

 

• Talk to your kids about Internet use. Talk to your kids regularly about how they use the Internet. If they're in the habit of talking to you about the Internet, they'll be more willing to come to you if there's a problem.