Family Internet Use Rules

The Internet can be a valuable tool, but it is like a very large and cosmopolitan foreign city where you wouldn't like your children exploring without you.

If your children have access to the Internet from your home, you are strongly advised to supervise them.

Please consider each of the items listed below. In addition, become an Internet user yourself, so that you are aware of its content and functions.

1. Never give out identifying information (name, address, telephone number, school name, age, marital status, financial information, etc.) in any public message such as in a "chat room" or "bulletin board." Consider using a pseudonym or unlist your child’s name, if your Internet service provider allows it.

2. Children should not send their pictures on-line without your permission.

3. Children should not respond to messages that make them feel uncomfortable.

4. Send e-mail messages only to people you know and trust.

5. Get to know the Internet services your children use. If you do not know how to log on, ask your child to teach you to do so. Find out what types of information the service offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable materials.

6. Never allow your child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they have met using Internet services without your permission and supervision. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public place with you present.

7. Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or otherwise make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, threatening, or of a sexual nature, forward a copy of the message to your Internet service provider and ask for assistance.

8. Remember that people encountered on the Internet may not actually be who they claim to be. For example, a person claiming to be a 12 year old girl could actually be a 55 year old man.

9. Remember that everything you read on the Internet is not necessarily true. If it sounds "too good to be true" it is probably not true.

10. If you know of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while on-line, report this immediately to the National Center For Missing And Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678. Also notify your Internet service provider.

Internet = Internet is a term that can mean one or more of the following on-line or telecommunications services: World Wide Web, e-mail, chat rooms, bulletin boards, newsgroups.

Internet Service Provider = These are organizations that you contact from your home that will connect you to the Internet. Most services charge fees.   Commercial service providers include: American Online, CompuServe, Prodigy, and many more.

Bulletin Boards & Newsgroups = Both are places that people can post messages that others can read at convenient times. People will reply to posted messages over a period of time.

Chat Rooms = These are places where several people can post messages at the same time. People make statements or ask questions to which others will respond within seconds. They can carry out conversations which others can read. Some chat rooms are moderated by persons who try to keep people from misbehaving.