Q: Is the Internet safe for my children?
A: The Internet is as safe as any public place. Parents are responsible for protecting their families from potential dangers by setting family rules to prevent problems.
Q: At what age can children start enjoying the Internet?
A: The Internet contains a wealth of games, stories and activities that even toddlers can enjoy, with the help of their parents. Young school-age children can develop reading, math and science skills, plus much more. Teens can use the Web to develop academic skills as well as share ideas and keep current on sports, TV, movies and music.
Q: How can I find good Web sites for my children?
A. Spend time surfing the Web together.
Q: How can we be sure that our children won't meet people on the Internet who don't share our values?
A: This is difficult to do in any situation. However, the first step is to discuss the values that are important to your family members and the standards that are appropriate for your family's Internet use. Then set some rules in a CyberSavvy Family Pledge.
You also may want to consider parental control software.
Q: How can I learn to use the Internet?
A: Many schools and libraries offer courses on using the Internet. It's an excellent beginning. From there, you can learn more by using the Internet. You'll be pleased to see how easy it is to Get CyberSavvy!
Q. Do all schools and libraries allow children to use the Internet?
A. Almost all, and if the schools or libraries aren't set up for Internet access now, they will be shortly. The Internet is the fastest-growing public space in the world.
Q: Do I have to give my children permission to use the Internet at school or in the library?
A: It depends on the Internet policy of the organization. Ask to be sure.
Q: How do I know who is sending e-mail to my child?
A. You don't really. The Internet is a public place and people can assume any identity they want. That's why parents need to be aware of how information flows on the Internet and what choices they have to protect their families' privacy and well-being on the Net. Some parents block access to some World Wide Web sites, chat rooms, bulletin boards, listservs, instant messages or e-mail. You can do that or you can monitor the messages your child gets and sends. How you and your children use the Internet is up to you.
Q: I heard there are systems to help prevent children from using parts of the Internet. Is that true?
A: Yes, they are called parental control or blocking software. Some Internet service providers, such as America Online, offer Parental Controls that parents can set to prevent children from accessing chat rooms or to limit them to "kid-approved" sites. Another approach is to purchase and install parental control software on your computer, then set it to block certain Web sites.
Q: Can children shop over the Internet?
A: They can, but most families limit their children's shopping activities. The best strategy is for parents to shop on the Internet with children so the adults can make the final purchase decisions and provide the retailer with the credit-card number and other details.
