Basic Rules about Online Activities
There’s no denying that keeping computers and personal information safe in today’s world is no easy feat. With identity thieves and hackers waiting at every turn, it can seem impossible to ensure online safety. When the need to protect children on the Internet is also present, parents may feel like it’s a full-time job. When a few ground rules for Internet use are put into place and followed – by kids and parents both – the task can become much easier.
Follow the Rules
There are rules for parents and their kids that can help. Here are a few:
Parents
- Keep technology current – Parents don’t need to become tech experts to safely navigate the net, but they do need some basic knowledge. Start out by checking Parents & Kids section in our Security Center to stay up-to-date on trends that matter. Norton 360 can also help ensure that virus and protection protocols are up to date. This program even comes with a free trial that enables the chance to check it out before a purchase is made.
- Keep lines of communication open – Talk to children about anything and everything they encounter on the Internet. Take the time to learn their “lingo,” and ask for an explanation when something doesn’t make sense.
- Monitor activities – Parents pay for those computers and the Internet connections children use. With that in mind, it is a parent’s job to ensure the tools are being used safely. Make sure to check on kids’ online activates and see what sites they’ve visited. Make sure kids know this is being done to protect – not spy – on them.
Kids
- Stay safe – Make sure to never give out real names, addresses or phone numbers. Kids should also promise to never share photos of themselves or tell others where they go to school. Those nice “kids” on the Internet could very well be adult predators posing as children, so kids need to be made very aware of the potential perils.
- Stay away – Stranger danger matters in the online world. Internet strangers can be as dangerous as those encounter offline. Make sure kids stay away from people met online and understand they should never meet them in person.
- Stay open – Kids should understand that it’s their job to talk to their parents about what they encounter on the Internet. Kids should feel free to discuss things they find that make them uncomfortable and parents should help children avoid similar encounters in the future.
Staying safe on the Internet is a team effort that requires participation from both parents and kids. When the rules are laid out and followed, it’s possible to protect computers, personal information, and most importantly, children from the perils of the online world.