Below you will find tools to learn more about securing your family against online threats and teaching children expectations and safe use of technology in their personal lives.

We hope you will find this information helpful as you talk with your child about using online tools.

These sites are good resources for parents to reference when starting the conversation about internet safety at home.

GCS Internet Safety Links -- Tips and recommendations with links to several helpful resources

Be Internet Awesome -- Resources and curriculum from Google to teach children the fundamentals of digital citizenship and internet safety.

Family Online Safety Institute -- Tips and research about parenting in a digital world.

Internet Safety -- From the National Crime Prevention Council, this site offers information and tips on a variety of internet topics, from cyberbullying to social media.

iKeepSafe -- The Internet Keep Safe Coalition's site offers programs for parents and educators and follows current trends to help you stay on top of internet hazards.

FBI: Cyber Crime -- Gives tools and tips to protect home computers and technologies.

SafeSearchKids -- A filtered search engine plus tips and resources for being internet safe.

Set rules and expectations for your household about internet and technology use. Communication is key. Let your child know that they can come to you about anything, online or in the real world, that is bothering them. Talking with your child about what they see and do online is the best defense for hazards they may encounter on the internet. Use these rules as a starting point and adapt them for your family.

1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number without my parents’ permission.

2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across something that makes me feel uncomfortable.

3. I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.

4. I will talk with my parents about posting pictures of myself or others online and not post any pictures that my parents consider to be inappropriate.

5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away.

6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

7. I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.

8. I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or mobile device or jeopardize my family’s privacy.

9. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.

From Safekids.com