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Internet Safety
October 2007
A recent on-line study
showed more than half of all American homes are equipped
with a computer and many of these are connected to the
Internet. The Internet is a great place for learning
and having fun and has literally opened up a whole new
world of communicating with your neighbors, friends, and
family members around the world. Unfortunately, as with
any technology, there are hidden dangers we must all be
aware of. As parents, we face a constant challenge to
keep our children safe while they are learning and
exploring in today’s fast-paced Internet world.
One of the best ways
parents can protect their children is to know how the
Internet works and have an agreed upon set of guidelines
for the children to follow. Children should be aware
there are dangerous Internet predators looking to
exploit young minds. It is absolutely critical for all
parents to be mindful of their children’s activities on
the Internet and to minimize the potential dangers they
could potentially face while in cyberspace.
Hopefully the tips
contained in this document will help you promote a safe
and healthy environment for you and your child to enjoy
the wonderful world of the Internet.
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS
FOR PARENTS
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Talk openly with your
teens about the use and dangers of the Internet.
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Keep computers in a
central location in your home.
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Know your child’s on
line profile.
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Monitor your child’s
chatting and emailing and see what is on their
computer files and home page material. Remember,
there is a difference in taking a sincere interest
and spying.
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Know how your child’s
Internet service provider works.
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Check out blocking
and filtering software to prevent an intrusion by a
predator and blacking access to inappropriate
material.
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Make the Internet a
family activity
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Never allow your
child to arrange a face-to-face meeting
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Teach your child to
be responsible on the Internet
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS
FOR TEENS
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Be as anonymous as
possible.
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Protect your personal
information.
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Think before posting
a photo. Never send a photo without asking first.
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Tell your parents if
someone suggests a face-to-face meeting.
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Don’t respond to a
message that makes you feel uncomfortable.
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Never accept a gift
or an offer that involves having someone visit your
home.
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Never arrange a
face-to-face meeting.
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Be honest about your
age and always BE RESPONSIBLE.
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Remember, people may
not be who they seem to be.
If you
ever have any questions regarding internet safety,
please do not hesitate to contact the Novi Police
Department at 248.348.7100 or on the web at
www.cityofnovi.org.
David E. Molloy
Chief of Police
RECOMMENDED RELATED LINKS
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at
www.missingkids.com
www.benetsafe.com
www.netwise.org
Michigan State Police or the Michigan Attorney General
at
www.michigan.gov
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