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Every family has to make its own rules for managing the Internet. One excellent way to help children know how to behave in cyberspace is to play "Make Believe."
Here are some situations that might happen online. How would your family handle them? There are no right answers because every family is unique. However, below each situation are some recommendations to consider. Discuss them all, then decide what solutions make the best sense for your family.
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I joined a chat room and someone from the group sent me a private e-mail asking for my picture and address. She said she was a teacher and wanted to help me. Should I send her the information? And what should I do if she asks to telephone or meet me in person? |
Recommendations:
Always tell a parent, teacher or other trusted adult when someone has asked you for personal information or to have a private conversation or meeting.
As a general rule, never give out personal information online or meet anyone in person that you have met online unless your parents give you special permission. |
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While surfing on the Web, I found a site with an interesting game that I wanted to play. But before I can play the game, the site asked me to complete a questionnaire about my interests and hobbies. What should I do? |
Recommendations:
Some Web sites ask visitors to fill out surveys or registration forms to keep a record of who visits and what information they want. Sometimes companies will offer games or prizes.
You should always know why they are collecting the information and what they are going to do with it.
Your family should set rules for what information you can give online, and under what circumstances.
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I was in a Web site that has its own store where I can buy lots of neat presents. I really want to buy a gift for one of my parents, but I don't know if I should. What should I do? |
Recommendations:
Families have different rules about ordering products online. Some families feel comfortable, especially with older children, buying items and sending credit card information online to companies they trust. Generally, most parents want their children to get permission before ordering anything online, even if it is for a special occasion.
What online shopping guidelines are best for your family? |
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A stranger sent me an e-mail that really scared me. I haven't told my parents yet, but I think I probably should. What should I do? |
Recommendation:
Immediately tell a parent, teacher or other trusted adult if someone sends you scary or threatening e-mail. Never answer. Instead, your parents or another adult can let your online provider know and contact the police, if necessary.
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I visited the Web site of a company that makes toys for kids and thought the site was pretty interesting. Later I found an e-mail message in my mailbox from the company inviting me back to see some new, similar items. What should I do? |
Recommendation:
Some people like to get news about products they have checked out on the Internet. If you don't want to receive follow-up e-mails after you have visited a Web site, reply to the e-mail message and ask to be removed from their e-mail list. If you continue to get e-mail, file a complaint with your online provider or send a written letter to the company that is sending Internet messages.
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While surfing the Web, someone sent me an e-mail asking for the password to my account. He said he needed to fix something in my system and could not do it without my password. Should I give it to him? |
Recommendation:
Never give your password to anyone. An online service technician or other reliable person will never ask for it. Remember, a password is your personal key to the Internet and should not be shared. Many people change their passwords regularly. It's an easy way to protect your privacy online, particularly if you think someone has discovered or is using your current password.
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My parents and I have talked a lot about online privacy, and I know all about cookies. We have even set our online system to alert us every time a Web site tries to drop information into our cookie file. What should I do if I want to visit a site that will deposit information into my cookie file. Can I visit it anyway, even if I don't want a cookie? |
Recommendation:
Your family should decide how it wants to handle the situation. Some families would rather surf the Web without cookies, even though cookies can help make your online activity quicker and easier by storing information about your interests and preferences and making it available when you revisit the site.
Cookies are deposited in the Internet browser software of your computer. Several of the most recent versions of browsers notify you before a Web site places a cookie on your computer. Some browsers let you deactivate the cookie file altogether. You can also delete information stored in your cookie file. Before you make your decision on how to handle cookies, remember they may help you move more efficiently online.
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One of my friends found my phone number in an online directory. How did they get this information? Why is it there, and should I do anything about it?
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Recommendation:
Some Internet sites have directory services to help people locate friends or other contacts. Most of these directories collect information, such as e-mail addresses, home addresses and phone numbers, from public sources such as telephone directories. If your family does not want this personal information made available, contact the Internet directories to "opt out," that is, have your information removed by request.
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I like to visit a lot of different places online, mostly Web sites, chat rooms and bulletin board areas. But my parents said to be careful not to let strangers know who I am online. How can I do this?
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Recommendation:
There are several ways to keep your identity confidential. First, do not give personal information in e-mail messages, chat rooms, bulletin boards, newsgroups or listservs. Choose a screen name that does not identify you. Explore the privacy protections available through your Internet access provider.
Decide as a family what part, if any, of your name, address and other information can be used online or in any public place.
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While researching a school project, I accidentally found a site with a lot of pictures and words that did not look as if it were meant for kids. What should I do?
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Recommendation:
Let your parents know right away. They may be able to help you
find Web sites that would be more useful and stay away from places not meant for children.
Parents, if you cannot be with your children when they surf the Web, you may want to consider using parental control software.
Click here to learn more about Parental Control Software.
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