Below, Dr. Sharon Cooper, a pediatrician and guest blogger from NetSmartz Workshop, outlines some tips for keeping your children safe online.

  • Clear, simple, easy-to-read house rules should be posted on or near the computer monitor. Create your own online video game and computer rules or complete the Get Game Smart PACT. This agreement can be signed by parents and children and should be periodically reviewed.
  • Keep the computer in the family room or another open area of your home.
  • If children use chat or e-mail, talk to them about never meeting in-person with anyone they "met" online.
  • Children's screen names should be nondescript so as not to identify them as a child. Also Web sites for children are not permitted to request personal information without a parent's permission. Talk to your child about what personal information is and why you should never give it to people online.
  • Talk to your child about not responding to offensive or dangerous e-mail, chat or other communications. Report any such communication to local law enforcement. Do not delete the offensive or dangerous e-mail; turn off the monitor, and contact police.
  • Look into safeguarding programs or options your online service provider might offer. These may include monitoring or filtering capabilities.
  • Let your child show you what they can do online, and visit their favorite sites. Let your child know which sites are off-limits.
  • Know with whom your children are exchanging e-mail and only let them use chat areas when you can supervise. NetSmartz Workshoprecommends limiting chat room access to child-friendly chat sites.
  • Talk to children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Show them how to turn off the monitor and emphasize that it's not their fault if they see something upsetting. Remind children to tell a trusted adult if they see something that bothers them.
  • If you suspect online "stalking" or sexual exploitation of a child, report it to your local law-enforcement agency. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children runs the CyberTipline® at 1-800-THE-LOST. Leads forwarded to the site will be acknowledged and shared with the appropriate law-enforcement agency for investigation.