Moms and Dads with Younger Kids! Read This Now – Internet Safety for Kids!
It’s a lot of fun to use the computer. All the fun things to do and to see! Going on the internet to learn and use email is important. It’s also important to remember safety. You’re safe in your house but did you know it’s not always safe on the computer? Remember these rules and your computer time will be safe and happy.
1 Your mom and dad or guardian love you and will do anything to help keep you safe. It’s fun to show them the cool things you find and do on the computer. Make your computer time like show and tell - your parents or guardian are happy when they see how well you can use the computer!
2 A lot of websites or computer programs you like to use will need a login name and password. It may want you to write your name and things like your address. Before you fill in anything about yourself, get your parent, guardian or another trusted adult. Show them what you’re doing and ask them to help you fill out the right information. It’s important that you don’t use your real name and are careful with where you write your address and other information. When you’re finished filling out the information, write down your login name and password and give it to your parents or guardian. Don’t tell anyone else about it. It’s your super special secret.
3 Sometimes you can buy stuff on the internet. It’s fun to think that you can click on something you want and it will be sent to your house! But never try and buy something without talking to your parents or guardian first. They’ll be able to help you if it’s something that’s ok to buy. Remember: even when you go to the store, you can’t always have everything you want. It’s the same on the computer. And that’s ok.
4 It doesn’t feel like you’re talking to real people when using email, chatting and writing on message boards or blogging. But almost everything on the internet was written by a person! Even this article was written by a person. When you’re talking to someone, writing an email or on a message board, remember to say “Please,” and “Thank you!” and use all the manners you learn when you’re with other people. Don’t use bad words or call people names. Just because you can’t see someone doesn’t mean that you can forget your manners. It’s very important to be kind and polite.
5 The most important part of being safe on the computer is how to talk to internet friends. Internet friends can be a lot of fun. You talk to them and it feels like you know them. Even with how nice they may seem, it’s not a good idea to share any pictures or any information about your name, where you live or go to school. If anyone you talk to asks you to tell them about yourself or wants to meet you in person, stop talking to them and tell your parents, guardian or another trusted adult right away.
Download Article
