Younger children should
Use developmentally appropriate websites/programs
Use the computer with parents/guardians, teachers, and classmates
Use computer-safety rules just as they use bike- safety rules
Tell Parents: Let the children in your home show you what they like to do online.
Remind them to be careful not to reveal personal information about themselves in photos, videos or text.
Teach children never to arrange a face-to-face meeting with anyone they first meet online.
Teach children the people they interact with online may not really be who they say they are.
Tips: Keep your children safe online
Share reasons people trick kids and teens: meanness, money, blackmail, etc.
Be aware of other computers child may be using on/at, i.e. cell phones, wireless devices (gaming), friend’s houses, libraries, etc.
Use filters to block sexually explicit websites and notify you if explicit materials are shared. Click here for more information about available filters.
Learn online acronyms such as – POS = Parent Over Shoulder
– A/S/L = Age, Sex, Location
Make sure screen-names are not too revealing or give inappropriate impression
Talk to your child about what he or she does online.
Check your child’s friend lists to see who has access to his or her profile. Make sure your child knows all friends in person.
Teach your child to set profiles to private – but be aware that privacy settings do not guarantee complete privacy.
Have your child remove any inappropriate content and photos and delete any personal information.
Check the profiles of your child’s friends to see if there is revealing information or photos about your child.
Report inappropriate or criminal behavior to the appropriate authority. Most sites have a reporting mechanism for non-criminal behavior. Criminal behavior should be reported through law-enforcement agencies and the CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com.
SAMPLE ACRONYMS USED ONLINE
Age sex location photo
Adult in the Room
Bondage Dominance Submission Masochism
Got A Picture?
Get Naked on Camera
I Want Sex Now
Keeping Parents Clueless
Let’s Hook Up
Code 9 – Parents around
See You For Sex
Deep Wet Passionate Kiss on the Lips
Let’s Have Online Sex
PAL or PAW or PRW
Parents Are Listening or Watching
Parent Behind Back
Parents In Room
Parents Looking Over (My) Shoulder
Parents Watching Over (My) Shoulder
Are You Male or Female?
Are You Under 18?
Would Like to Meet in Real Life
What’s Your Real Name?
If you see your child/teen using an acronym on a text or in a chat function and you are unaware of its meaning, Google it or ask another teen what it means!