For those of you with kids that surf the Internet, here are a 10 suggestions you can share with them to help them surf safely.

1. If you are surfing the net and you enter a web site that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared tell someone RIGHT AWAY.

2. Protect yourself. NEVER send personal information about yourself into cyberspace unless you talk to your parents FIRST.

3. Keep your private information private--your telephone number and address should NOT be sent out into cyberspace.

4. Before sending ANYONE your picture or ANY information about yourself, make sure to check with your parents FIRST!

5. Never agree to meet up with someone that you meet while chatting online UNLESS you check with your parents FIRST. IF you do meet up with someone, NEVER GO ALONE. A parent or caregiver should ALWAYS go with you. Make sure meeting places are in a public place and NEVER someone's house.

6. Don't keep secrets. Keep your parents in the loop about what you are doing and where you are going on the Internet. They can help you stay safe!

7. If you get a mean or nasty message or a message that makes you feel uncomfortable, TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST. It is NEVER YOUR FAULT if you get a message that makes you feel uncomfortable.

8. Never give out your password to someone other than your parents. NOT EVEN YOUR BEST FRIEND. Your password is yours. Protect your password and protect yourself!

9. Protect your computer. Before downloading ANY software, check with your parents FIRST.

10. Set up a meeting with your parents or caregivers to talk about Internet safety. It's always good to talk about ways to keep safe. Maybe you could even teach your parents a thing or two about Internet safety!

Here are some additional references:

June is Internet Safety Month! (PDF)
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Internet Safety for Children
How to deal with cyber-bullies

http://www.kidzooie.com/