The following comes from
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
June 2014 Bulletin
Focus on Internet Safety
This June
With kids out of school for the summer, it’s
easy for parents and kids to shift their focus from education to fun. Parents
want to make sure their kids are having fun and staying safe at the same time,
and this should apply to all activities, from riding bikes to swimming to being
online. Summer means kids will have more free time, which may mean more time on
the computer. June is National Internet Safety Month, a time to reflect on our
current online behavior and commit to being more responsible and safe online.
This June, the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign
encourages parents and educators to start an Internet safety dialogue with
their children and students. Topics can include:
·
How to practice online safety every day. Discuss clicking on
links, talking to strangers, setting strong passwords, and how to avoid sharing
too much personal information online.
·
Being a good online citizen. Explain the importance of treating others
online with respect and avoid saying or writing things online that you would
not say in person.
·
When to report suspicious people or activity. Encourage kids to talk
to trusted adults when someone online is making them feel uncomfortable or
unsafe.
Parents can take steps to ensure that the
Internet is safer for their kids by setting up appropriate firewalls and safe
searches and monitoring their kids’ Internet use. For more resources on how
help your kids practice online safety, review Stop.Think.Connect.’s Resources for Parents and Educators, which
includes a booklet on how to chat with your kids about being online.
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