The STOPLight

Internet safety tips for parents

• Place the computer in a central family area (not a bedroom) where parental supervision and interaction regarding its use can take place.
• Be involved. Ask your kids to show you the Web sites they visit, games they play, and friends they make online. To keep the dialogue going, kids need to know that you'll support them in constructive Internet use rather than just pull the plug if you spot a problem.
• Put the 'Net to good use. Suggest positive projects for your child, and model constructive ways to use the Internet yourself.
• Explain your concerns. When you aren't sure what rules ought to be made regarding difficult issues, have a discussion with your children. Listen to their thoughts and ideas. Online issues create opportunities to discuss your values and enlist your child's help in working out family policy.
• Install a software program that blocks access to explicit sites.
• Encourage communication. Kids need to feel free to come to you if they encounter something confusing, threatening or disturbing.
• Reinforce basic values. Online life offers many opportunities to stress responsibility, curiosity, tolerance and respect for other people.

Compiled from HOMEPC magazine, March 1998; RISSK Magazine, and other sources