Resources for Parents

EMPHASIZE THE CONCEPT THAT "CYBERSPACE" IS NOT "PRIVATE SPACE"

Parents/Guardians should talk to their children about what they are doing in Cyberspace. Talk openly and honestly about online and cell phone activity. Make sure that your children fully understand that messages or pictures they send over the Internet or their cell phones are not private or anonymous. Also make sure they know that others might forward their pictures or messages to people they do not know. Students must also understand that there are records of deleted images and text. It is essential that students grasp the potential short-term and long-term consequences of their actions on the Internet and while using their cell phone or other electronic devices.

KNOW WITH WHOM YOUR CHILD IS COMMUNICATING ELECTRONICALLY

  • LEARN who your children are spending time with online and on the phone. Supervising and monitoring your child's whereabouts in cyberspace is part of conscientious parenting.
  • LIMIT electronic communication and its location. You can limit the time your children spend online and on the phone. Do not permit access to phones and computers at inappropriate times such as after bedtime or in unsupervised locations such as their own bedroom.
  • MONITOR your child's public online profiles. Be aware of what your child is posting publicly on the Internet. Talk with them specifically about their own conception of what is public and what is private.

SET EXPECTATIONS AND REVISE AS NEEDED

  • COMMUNICATE with your children about what you consider appropriate "electronic" behavior.
    Make sure you let your children know what is and is not allowed online.
  • REMIND your children about your expectations from time to time.
    This does not mean that you do not trust them; it just reinforces the fact that you are paying attention.
  • REVISE your expectations as needed.
    When a "new piece" of technology is added, review and revise your expectations.

Selected Resources About Keeping Children Safe Online

A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety - A Publication from the U.S. Department of Justice

https://www2.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguide.htm

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children jointly published the Parents Guide to Online Safety.

Google Safety Center

https://www.google.com/safetycenter/families/start/

This site is regularly updated by Google and provides tips and resources to promote family discussions about how to safely navigate the digital environment.

Federal Trade Commission - Facts for Consumers about Protecting Kids Privacy Online

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/privacy-and-security/children's-privacy

Information about The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act -COPPA -which gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids.