The Internet is a cool place to find information, learn about almost any topic, and connect with your friends.
Just like in real-life, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe.

Let your parents know what sites you like to visit, and who you chat to online.

Never, ever give our your personal details to anyoneone the Internet. This includes:
Your last name
Your home address
Email address
Phone number
Or MSN address

Put your favourite sites in your Bookmarks folder, so you don’t accidentally go to the wrong site. Sometimes, websites pretend to be the site you want to go to, but they’re actually trying to get your personal info… Which you should never give out!

If you see something on the Internet that makes you uncomfortable, make sure you tell your parents.

It’s cool to chat with your friends on programs like Skype, Facebook chat or MSN Messenger, but don’t add anybody to your contact list unless you actually know them

If you’re going to download a file, check with your parents first. You might accidentally get a virus and break the computer!
You wouldn’t like it if someone stole your bike, so don’t steal music or movies by using downloading software.

If you have a Bebo page, make sure to set it to ‘private’ so it can only be seen by people you approve.
Don’t send rude or nasty messages to people on the Internet… Treat others like you’d like to be treated.

REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE: Don’t give our your personal info. Keep it safe, and to yourself.

It’s important to always supervise your kids while they’re online. Show them the ‘right kind’ of websites to visit, and let them learn how to navigate away from websites that make them feel uncomfortable.

We’ve designed our site to be kid-friendly, however we sometimes link to external sites like YouTube, Flickr and Twitter. These are great sites (to share videos, photos and messages to our viewers), but are not under our control. Don’t forget: Supervise your kids when they are using the computer.

Consider installing software with parental control guards, to censor certain words or prevent access to certain sites.

Put your computer in a ‘family space’ where the screen is always visible.

If your child uses MSN Messenger (or another messaging program), check that they actually know all the people on their contact list.

Use all the built-in parental safeguards on common software programs. To find information specific to your operating system or browser, try a Google search for terms like “Windows XP parental controls” or “Windows Vista parental controls”

Teach your child the ‘safe’ way to use the Internet, so that it is used as a valuable learning tool and not a ‘dangerzone’. Introduce them to websites designed for kids, and sites for research & learning.

Useful links for safety & security:

Stuff.co.nz Web Safety Guide

Scholastic Online Safety

Microsoft Online Protection

Kidzui the Internet for Kids

We welcome comments or questions, or additions to these helpful links. Send in your feedback.