The STOPLight

Basic online rules for kids

• Don't give out any personal information without your parent's permission. (This includes your or your parents' names and addresses or phone numbers for home, school or parents' work)
• Do tell parents if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Don't respond to any obscene or threatening messages. Tell your parents right away if you see any bad language or pictures on the Internet.
• Do keep your own language clean and appropriate. Messages you send can be traced back to you.
• Don't believe everything people tell you online.
• Don't send anyone a photograph without your parents' permission.
• Not of yourself, your friends, your home or anything else.
• Do follow the rules your parents set for days and times it's okay to be online.
• Do stay out of any chat rooms or web sites not approved by your parents or teachers.
• Do not agree to meet face to face with anyone you meet online without talking with your parents and asking permission. If they approve, be sure they go with you to meet the person in a public place.

Compiled from RISSK Magazine (The Paul & Lisa Program, Inc.), Children's Software Revue (Ann Orr, senior editor), My Online Pledge (www.smartparent.com), and other sources