Cyber+Safety

Keep your kids safe online
When your kids start to interact on the Internet -- playing games, watching YouTube videos, socializing in virtual worlds, getting homework help, and searching on Google -- you may feel that you're losing control over your kids' world. The best way to wrap your arms around your kids' online activities is to spend some time with them while they're visiting their favorite sites. Talk with them about what they like and what they don't.

Why Internet safety matters
Kids today can go online from so many different sources, including video game consoles, iPhones and smart phones, and even handheld gaming devices. Young people are increasingly living their lives online, and their digital devices are some of their favorite toys and tools. Shouldn’t this new playground be a safe and nice place? With your guidance, it can be. Teaching Internet safety in the elementary years will have lasting rewards for you and your kids.

Internet Safety Basics
Help your kids understand that they should:
 * Never share their names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses;
 * Never send pictures to strangers;
 * Keep passwords private (except to parents);
 * Never open email from strangers – it may contain viruses that can harm a computer; and
 * Immediately tell an adult if something mean or creepy happens.

Information from [|commonsensemedia.com]