General Rules for Children & Young People using the Internet

1. Always ask your parents for permission before you log on!  Only use the Internet when your parents have given you permission, and only for the time they allowed you to use it.  Let them know what you are up to when you are on-line.

2. Show these Internet safety tips to  your parents, teacher or guardian.    Tell your parents to spend time with you while online.  Show your parents your favourite places in the internet. Tell them about the people you meet on-line, and the things you talk about. Let them know of your Internet pals and their traditions. Get them involved in your on-line activities!

3. If you have to post an email address always post your family's address even if you have your own! – Only inform friends of your email address if you are absolutely sure that the sender is trustworthy.

4. Do NOT give out any personal information such as your home address, parents work address, school information or  telephone numbers. If asked for them get your parents to check out why! 

5.. If you want to become pals with someone you should talk to your parents about it first, and get their permission to give out your address.

6. If you are entering a contest, or registering to enter new site, discuss it with your parents or guardians first and get their permission!  Show them the site, and the reason why you would want to give out your address.  If you have a PO Box, use that as your address! 

7. You should NOT use your real last name while you are on-line, especially if it is unusual.  A better idea is to use your middle name as a last name, or make up a “nom de plume”!  If you do decide that you would like to use your real last name, please talk to your parents about it first! 

8. Don't send scanned pictures of yourself or your family to anyone unless you have your parent's approval.   If you have a home page, your parents should decide with you what pictures that you should put in it.

9. Never agree to meet anyone, anywhere without talking to your parent or guardian about it and getting their approval.    People may not be who they say they are!  If you do decide to meet with someone that you have met on-line, talk to your parents first.  If they agree to the meeting, it is important that they go with you and meet in a public place (where there are a lot of other people around)!

10.  Never give out your password to anyone for any reason!  The ONLY people that NEED to know it, already have it, no matter what they tell you! 

11. Don't reply to any e-mail messages if you feel that they are offensive, strange, mean or upsetting to you.  If you feel uncomfortable with a message show it immediately to your parents or teachers or any adult you trust so they may take the proper action or advise you on what to do .  Don't get discouraged if you receive messages that make you uncomfortable. Most of all don't imitate those kids that write rude messages. .

12. Stop right away if you see or read something on a Web site that is upsetting or offensive to you. Some sites are not meant for children and you might have accidentally reached that site through a hyperlink. If it happens, talk to your parents or teacher about it. 

13. Remember if you want to swap something you must ask your parents first.  You will not be able to swap anything without their permission since it is they who will have to authorise and supervise the swap.

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