INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

The Internet, a series of computer networks, provides you with access to a wealth of information on virtually any subject you can imagine. However, because the Internet is open to anyone, and largely unregulated, there are potential risks in using the Internet, particularly for children. Protecting your children from people who might abuse or exploit them starts with paying attention to your child’s use of the internet.

• Know when your child is online, what websites he/she is viewing, and who he/she is contacting online.
• Take time to talk with your child, about what is okay to view on the internet, and what is off-limits.
• Set rules for your child’s use of the computer and the internet, and make sure your child understands the rules and is following them.

For more information about keeping your child safe online, see these websites:

• The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline http://www.cybertipline.com
• Cybersafety for Kids: A Parent's Guide, by the New Haven Department of Police Service http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Police/CrimePreventionSafety.asp#CYBERSAFETY
• A Safety Net for the Internet: A Parent's Guide, by The New York Public Library http://www.nypl.org/node/8315
• i-SAFE America http://www.isafe.org
• NetSafeKids http://www.nap.edu/netsafekids
• Safekids.com http://safekids.com
• Safeteens.com http://www.safeteens.com
• FBI: Be Crime Smart http://www.fbi.gov/becrimesmart.htm
• FTC: Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/privacyinitiatives/childrens.html

REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

If you or your child become aware of dangerous or illegal activities, such as the transmission of child pornography, online enticement, potential sexual exploitation, or any attempt to make inappropriate contact with your child or any minor, report it to your local police, or the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Computer Crimes Unit (203-639-6492 for Connecticut. residents), or to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

TO FIND SERVICES IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE

Search by Program Names:

• Computer Fraud/Child Exploitation/Internet Crimes

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SOURCE: "A Safety Net For The Internet: A Parent's Guide", by The New York Public Library; i-SAFE America , The CyberTipline
PREPARED BY: 211/kq
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED:January2012