Keep Kids Safe On The Internet This Summer

The Connecticut State Police remind parents and adults who care for children that keeping kids safe while surfing the Internet this summer takes cooperation between parents and their children.

As schools in Connecticut close for the summer, parents must remain vigilant about their children’s activity on computers at their own home, at friends’ homes, and at the local public library. The State Police Division has released a valuable list of safety tips for children and parents to follow when using the Internet this summer.

For Children

éDo not spend your entire summer vacation online — balance your virtual life with your real life. Read some good books, play sports with friends, or enjoy a new hobby.

éUse appropriate screen names, email addresses, and instant message identities. Do not use a suggestive name such as “lookinforluv” or “itchin4trubl.” Such names can lead to trouble and to dangerous situations.

éIf you are under the age of 13, you should not have a personal profile. If you are over 13 years of age and have a personal profile, do not enter private information such as your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, school name, or Social Security number.

éKeep your private information to yourself. Never reveal your real name, address, or phone number to someone online or in a place (chat room, sent email, etc) where strangers can see it.

éDo not email a photo of yourself or meet anyone from the Internet without your parents’ permission.

éDo not tell anyone your Internet password.

éRemember that someone who says “she” is 12 years old could actually be a 30-year-old man using a fake profile.

For Parents

éPlace all home computers in a common area where Internet access can be supervised.

éEstablish and enforce rules for Internet use (i.e., limiting daily amount of time on Internet).

éTalk to your children about the Internet. Ask them what sites they visit and with whom they communicate.

éReview screen names, profiles, buddy lists, and homepage or webpage content periodically with your child.

éSupervise all picture swapping.

éUse a filtering program and/or parental controls available through your Internet service provider.

éFamiliarize yourself with any social network websites being used by your child.

éCheck on the content of messages between your child and others who play popular online games.

“The Internet can at times be a playground for criminals in search of their next victims. I strongly encourage both parents and their children to review rules — and ensure they are followed — so that everyone plays it safe online,” said Leonard C. Boyle, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.