Access: Setting Limits On Using The Web

• Keep your computer and video game console in a family area, not your children's bedrooms. You will get to know which sites your kids visit and with whom they connect.
• Know your child's online buddies – Consider allowing your children to only interact with people they know. Various gaming consoles and Internet service providers offer ways to regulate online correspondence to and from your kids. Review their Friends Lists on all communications tools including: instant messaging, online chat, Webcam, mobile phone, online video games and social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace.
• Keep personal information private. Remind your children never to give out personal information or agree to meet online friends without your permission.
• Use monitoring and filtering tools. Internet providers, Web browsers and most entertainment devices have parental controls, which allow parents to limit or block certain types of material. Find help by reading "Understanding Parental Controls" and check out the Tip Sheets for Parents.
• Report problems. Advise your children to tell a trusted adult if they see or read something troubling online. You may document online abuse anytime by either contacting your local police or calling 1-800-THE-LOST or visiting the CyberTipline, services of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; the organization forwards such information to law enforcement authorities for possible investigation.