KIDS:
Surfing on the internet can be lots of fun. It can also be dangerous if you don't follow certain rules:
- Never give out personal information without asking your parents. Personal information includes:
- your name
- your address
- your phone number
- your mom or dad's name
- the name of your school, your teacher or your friends
- Never give away your internet password to anybody, even your best friend. It's a secret.
- If you ever see anything on the web that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents right away, and they can report it to your online service provider.
Some sites have "chat" features that let you talk to people all over the world right from your computer at home. When using chat rooms:
- Make up a cool nickname for when you join a chat or a game online - never use your real name.
- If a person writes something that is mean or makes you feel uncomfortable, don't respond. Just LOG OFF and tell your parents or an adult you can talk to, so they can deal with it.
- Don't share photos of yourself, your family, or your home with people you meet online.
- Always delete unknown email attachments without opening them. They can contain destructive viruses that will damage your family's computer.
- Never download anything without asking for your parents permission first. These can also contain viruses.
- Remember that nothing you write on the web is completely private - including email. So be careful and think about what you type and who you tell.
- Not everyone is as nice, cute, and funny as they may sound online. Never make plans to meet an online "friend" in person.
- WHEN IN DOUBT:
- always ask your parents for help.
- just LOG OFF if you're not sure! You can always go back online later.
PARENTS:
The web is a great tool that allows kids to have fun and to learn about topics that interest them. There are areas on the internet, however, that are not appropriate for kids.
The most important thing as a parent is for you to know what your child is doing online. This may mean surfing with your children or asking them about the sites they like and what they've learned.
Make surfing a family activity, especially with young children. You could go through the following safety tips together so everyone understands why safety is important.
Nelvana checks all the links on its site in order to provide the best and safest environment for kids to explore.
