Please click on the following link for information about Internet Safety from the Dufferin Peel CDSB. Internet Safety Tip Sheet

The first step in reducing risks online is talking. Talking to your children about what they should and should not do when they are online. Find out the activities they are currently doing online and talk about them. Children love to show off their talents, and when you are interested in what they are doing online, nine times out of ten they will be more than happy to show you what they know.

The next step is to let them know the rules in the house to online use. An Internet use contract can be downloaded and printed; you and your children can read it and sign it so there are no misunderstandings of appropriate use in your home.

1. 1. Make sure your child does not spend all of his/her time on the computer. People, not computers, should be their best friends and companions.
2. 2. Keep the computer in an area where it can be monitored, like the family room, kitchen or living room, not in your child’s bedroom.
3. 3. Learn enough about computers so you can enjoy them together with your kids. Sit down with your children and let them teach you more. You will be surprised at how eager they will be to show you their abilities.If you have to search for something for work or find an interest or hobby on the Internet, ask your kids to help. Have them show you the best way to search for things and locate them. Spend some quality time with them, and let them teach you.
4. 4. Teach them never to meet an online friend offline!
5. 5. Watch your children when they’re online and see where they go.
6. 6. Encourage discussions between you and your child about what they enjoy online. Keeping that line of communication open with your children about their likes and dislikes on the internet enhances online activity for the child, and gives you some peace of mind as the parent.
7. 7. Teach them what information they can share with others online and what they can’t (like telephone numbers, address, their full name and school)
8. 8. Discuss these rules, get your children to agree to adhere to them, and post them near the computer as a reminder.

(Reference: Cyber-Safety, http://www.cyber-safety.com/parents.html)