Introduction

Here are some Safety Tips to help you think about online safety for your family. We encourage you to read the rest of this section for more detailed information.

Use the Internet with your kids. While you're spending time with them, you can help them to be safe and responsible online. Learn about the technology together, ask lots of questions, and don't be intimidated if it seems like your kids have a better understanding of the technology than you. Remember, it's your family, and you have the power and responsibility to keep an eye on what your kids are doing.

Teach kids never to give their personal information to people they meet online, especially in chat rooms and on bulletin boards. If you have a family web site with your children's pictures up, don't include information like where they go to school, where you live, your phone number, or any other personally identifiable information -- that's giving personal information out every bit as much as sending an e-mail or talking to someone in a chat room.

Instruct your child never to plan a face-to-face meeting with online acquaintances, and to notify you if they are approached for an offline meeting.

Establish clear ground rules for Internet use for your family. Think about signing a Contract with your children that reflects those rules. Learn about the different parental control tools, protective software, and controlled access options that are available, and decide which, if any, are best for your needs.

Tell your children not to respond if they receive offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat requests, or other communications, and to leave if they go to a web site that makes them uncomfortable. Also tell them to show you anything they receive that makes them uncomfortable. Assuring them that you won't be angry with them and that they are not to blame can help you to develop a trusting, open relationship.
If you become worried that your child or another child is in danger, don't hesitate to contact the authorities

What You Really Need Know

Q. Who is in control of my young child's personal information online?
A. You are in control of your young child's personal information.

Q. How will I know if a Web site is collecting personal information from my child under 13 years old?
A. Web sites wishing to collect personal information about your children will seek you out and let you decide whether or not they may collect, use and/or share that information.

Q. How will they notify me?
A. Web sites will try to email you to seek your permission. If your child tries to provide information about him or herself, the site will ask her for your contact information and use that information to seek your permission.

Q. How do I prove/verify that I am my child's parent?
A. Web sites will ask you to verify that you are the parent in several possible ways. Some will ask that you call a toll-free phone number and speak with a trained operator who will verify that you are the parent. Some sites will ask you to send a note via postal mail or via fax. The Web site may also seek credit card information to prove that you are the parent.

Q. How do I know if a Web site will respect my child's privacy?
A. Proactively surf with your children and familiarize yourself with the Web sites they most like to visit. First, look to see if there is a privacy policy posted on the Web site -- it should be easy to find. Next, read the policy and ask yourself if the Web site shares your child's information with others outside of the company.