Safe Use of Technology

Internet Safety Guidelines for Parents and Children

• Assess Readiness: Ensure your child is mature enough to responsibly access the internet, including smartphones, gaming consoles (e.g., Xbox), tablets, and e-readers.
• Parent Education: Learn about device settings and privacy controls on electronic devices and social media platforms.
• Monitoring Tools: Install software on computers and mobile devices to monitor online activity. Be aware that many kids create multiple accounts (e.g., two Facebook or Kik profiles—one for parents and one for friends).
• Digital Permanence: Teach children that anything shared online or via phone cannot be fully erased and may remain accessible forever.
• Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries for internet usage, including time limits and approved platforms.
• Protect Personal Information: Educate children about the risks of sharing personal details online and model safe online  behavior.
• Password Safety: Reinforce that passwords should never be shared with friends under any circumstances.
• Responsible Content Sharing: Teach kids never to take or share nude selfies, and never forward explicit images of others.

How to Talk to Kids

1. Start Early and Normalize the Conversation

• • Choose a calm, private setting where your child feels safe.
  • Frame the discussion as part of overall online safety, not as a punishment.

  • Use age-appropriate language: explain that sextortion means someone tries to use private pictures or information to threaten or control another person.

2. Explain Why It’s Serious

• • Emphasize that predators often pretend to be friends online and then pressure kids for images.
  • Make sure they understand digital permanence: once something is shared online, it cannot be fully erased.
  • Share real-world examples (without fear tactics) to show that this happens to many kids and is never their fault.

3. Teach Prevention Skills

• • Never share explicit images, even with people they trust.
  • Keep personal info private: usernames, school name, location, and passwords should never be shared.
  • Recognize grooming tactics: compliments, gifts, or offers that feel “too good to be true” are red flags.

4. Build Trust and a Safety Plan

• • Tell them: “If anyone ever threatens you or asks for private pictures, come to me immediately. You won’t be in trouble.”
  • Discuss what to do if they feel pressured: block the person, save evidence, and report to a trusted adult.
  • Share resources like CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org) and local law enforcement contacts.

5. Keep the Door Open

• • Make it an ongoing conversation, not a one-time talk.
  • Ask open-ended questions: “What would you do if someone online asked for a picture?”
  • Reinforce that they can always come to you without fear of judgment.