Internet Do's & Don'ts

Do:

Don't:

• Have fun with the Internet.
• Set limits for children's use of the Internet.
• Establish guidelines for acceptable materials and monitor sites visited.
• Discuss and post rules for Internet use by the computer as a reminder and be sure to include consequences for breaking the rules.
• Establish rules for ordering products online and carefully review credit card bills.
• Warn children about possible online harassment and misrepresentation.
• Learn to evaluate a site for accuracy and validity. Many are designed solely to sell.
• Complain to businesses and organizations that request personal information from children.
• Consider some form of blocking or filtering software.
• Know what information your Internet provider makes available to others.

• DO NOT use your real name, address, telephone number, or photograph online.
• DO NOT allow your child to meet face-to-face with someone met online unless you will be there.
• DO NOT allow e-mail from an unknown sender to be opened; it may contain a virus.
• DO NOT give out passwords or credit card numbers online.
• DO NOT hand in material found online as your own work. That is plagiarism, which is illegal.
• DO NOT tamper with or hack into someone else's computer. That is a serious crime.
• DO NOT copy software you have not paid for or received written permission to copy.
• DO NOT order anything offered "free" without parent's permission.