Staying safe online - guidelines for parents

• Become more computer literate; get to know the services your child uses. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are built-in ways to block out objectionable material. Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your child's name if your service allows it. Steer away from online profiles. Paedophiles often use profiles as a means to find victims. 
• Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first meeting in a public place and accompany your child to the meeting. If in doubt contact your local police. 
• Do not allow your child to respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or threatening. Forward a copy of such messages to your Internet service provider. 
• Never give out any personal information such as your address, telephone number or work number, or your child's school name. 
• Keep the computer in your family room where you can watch and monitor your child's activities. 
• Share an e-mail account with your child so you can oversee his or her mail. Spend as much time as possible online together to show your children proper behaviour and rules. 
• Do not allow your children to go into private chat rooms unless you are present. 
• Monitor your credit card bill. Many pornographic Internet sites require credit card payments in order to gain access. 
• Consider using an online service that has special child accounts with restricted access to chat rooms and the Internet. 
• Always keep in mind that as you move through the Internet, you leave information about yourself. 
• When users post to Usenet newsgroups, IRC chat rooms or listservers, they reveal their mailing address so others can contact them. 
• Some web sites also collect information called "cookies". "Cookies" are compiled lists of information that may include your name, address, telephone number, and possibly even your credit card number. 
• Ask your Internet service provider how to turn off your "cookies".