Also, please check out our "Faces of Fear" page for pictures of people who are known to have, or are suspected of having committed crimes against children.
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The best way to ensure your child's safety on the Internet is to be there. Of course, that is not always possible. Just as you teach your child rules about dealing with strangers outside the home, you must provide rules for communicating online.
1. Always ask your parents' permission before using your full name, address, telephone number or school name anywhere on the Internet.
Teach your children to be wise consumers in cyberspace. Not everything they see or hear may be true. Some sites may be trying to sell them something.
The vast majority of Internet sites are perfectly safe. But, like the real world, the virtual world contains some sites with sexual, violent and other content that may not be appropriate for children. Since different families have different standards, it's important to establish clear guidelines for your child's Internet use.
If you have a home computer, a number of software programs are available to block Web sites you may not want your child to visit. Even if filters were 100 percent effective, this software is no substitute for parental guidance. We strongly recommend that you supervise your child's Internet use at home and at the library, and that you teach your child to make informed choices.
2. Always tell your parents or other adult you trust if you see something online that is scary or that you don't understand.
3. Don't respond to messages that make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
4. Never give out a credit card number or password online.
5. Never arrange to meet in person someone you've met online unless you discuss it with your parents and an adult goes with you.
