The safety of our nation’s youth is a top issue on the minds of parents and youth, as well as those educating and serving youth in all settings. However, we typically think first of securing and increasing safety in our schools, on the streets and in the communities where we reside, and even in our homes. It is easy to place internet safety farther down on our list of safety concerns, but with technology ever increasing and the Internet becoming a mainstay for information and educational tools, teaching youth how to be safe when online is extremely important.

Enforcing internet safety is no different than establishing and enforcing rules for homework, TV or other family issues. As a family, create a list of rules that are easy to follow when using the internet. Record and post the rules by your home computer. It is also a good idea to limit computer access as well as placing your family computer in an open area where adults can easily monitor sites visited, emails, and program usage.

Although communication and information from the Internet and other sources of media is useful, the most important communication is one-on-one between parents and children. Children should understand that any personal information including instant messaging names, email addresses and online chat rooms or message board user names is just that -- personal information. Adults and children should be mindful of who and how you provide information about yourself. Online surveys, contests, or other information-seeking emails or websites should be avoided. If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has programs that allow users to post information such as hobbies, away messages, etc., make sure that no personal information (i.e. cell phone numbers, home numbers or places you and/or your child will be visiting are listed). Likewise, make sure that those who know you personally are the only ones to see pictures of your child or your family.

Consider using a child-safe or family-friendly search engine, filter, blocking or other program or system. List as a rule that children should have an adult accompany them when visiting a new site or when prompted to download material. Lastly, make sure that children are also accompanied before taking part in “free” opportunities as well as any requiring an immediate or future purchase. This includes keeping adult financial information including securing access to wallets protected.

Working with children on the vast information available at our fingertips encourages personal interaction with a typically in-personal media outlet. As with all good things, bad things are lurking close by, but with careful monitoring and the establishment and enforcement of rules we all can surf safely. For more information on Internet safety, contact I-Safe America (www.isafe.org).