Kids Guide For Safe Surfing

This is a guide for older children on how to safe the net safely

A true story (so they say!) from a computer helpline...

parent: I'm having problems with my computer...

helpline: Its easy, you just go into the registry editor, type this and it should just work!

parent: The what?!

helpline: Do you have any children?

parent: Yeah. An eight-year-old. Why?!

helpline: Can you put them on the line, please...

Problem solved.

Thats just a long way of saying that most kids know more than their parents. But even if you do think you know more, its still important to be safe on the internet. Its a fun place, but like everywhere else you do need to know some simple rules to survive.

• The number one rule is to NEVER, EVER give out personal details such as your address, telephone number or even school name.
• NEVER, EVER agree to meet someone that you met on the net but don't already know.
• In other words, treat everyone on the web as a stranger unless you are absolutely sure who it is
• Only visit websites you know to be good or ones that are linked from those ones.
• Use instant messaging for chatting with your friends rather than public chatrooms. Instant messengers are quick and you know who you're talking to.
• If you have an e-mail address and get messages that you don't like then let your parents know. NEVER reply to them. If they are spam (mass emailed junk messages trying to sell you stuff) then by replying you just let them know that there is somebody using that address that they can send more stuff too!
• If you do accidently come across a website that disturbs you, then let your parents know. If it's really bad then they can inform other people who can get the website removed or even get the police involved. Everybody comes across these sites at some time - so don't feel bad about it. Just do the right thing.
• Talk to your friends and family about the net. Share your experiences with them. Chances are, your parents (and anybody else older) doesn't know about the things you can find and learn.