Koraes School Recommendations for Family Internet use!

·         Keep the computer in a public/visible area of your house: the kitchen or family room are ideal

·         Have a discussion with your child(ren) about:

o        the benefits and risks of the Internet

o        what they do on-line

o        what websites they visit

o        who they chat with while they are on-line

o        what games they play on-line

o        music downloads (dos and don'ts) and copyright violations

·         Establish rules - Have them show you their favorite sites, games, and chat rooms

o        Learn the 4 Rs:
-Recognize techniques used by online predators to deceive.
-Refuse requests for personal information.
-Respond assertively if you are ever in an uncomfortable situation online. (Exit the program, log off or turn off the computer, tell a trusted adult, or call the police)
-Report to a trusted adult any suspicious or dangerous contact that makes you feel uncomfortable.

·         Decide whether or not you will allow your child to download, purchase items, or subscribe for on-line services/individual websites on the Internet.  Include these decisions in your family internet use rules.  Discuss what is legal and not legal.  It is recommended that those purchasing items online use a credit card with a low credit limit.

·         Go on-line and visit the sites your children might visit

·         Google your children (and yourself) to see if there are any unwanted pictures or information about you or your child on the Internet.

·         Don't blame or punish your children if they report viewing something inappropriate on-line.  The way you react will affect what they share with you in the future.

·         Consider using a filter or blocking system on your computer to filter unwanted sites or track the sites that were visited.  Most service providers offer age-related filtering systems. 

Internet Safety Information

Internet Safety Resources