Issue Position: Family Safety

Issue Position

Tips for Parents

* Keep the family computer in a public area of the house, like the living room. Do not keep a computer in a child's bedroom.

* Supervise your child's Internet use whenever possible.

* Install software that allows filtering/blocking of certain websites.

* Consider software that allows for monitoring of Internet use.

* Teach your child to NEVER give out personal information online (full name, home address, age, birthday, phone number, school information, etc).

* Communication is key. Talk to your child about what is appropriate Internet use.

* Educate yourself on the basics of online social networking sites, messaging services, email, and blogs.

* REMEMBER: Online safety is not about your child's privacy or trusting your child. This is about YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY.

Tips for Kids & Teens

* NEVER give out personal information (full name, home address, age, birthday, phone number, etc.) over the Internet.

* Do not open emails or messages from someone you don't know.

* Use screen names that will not give away personal information.

* If using a social networking site or messaging service, restrict access so only friends can see your profile.

Only add "friends" who you PERSONALLY know.

* Post only things you are comfortable with other people knowing.

* Remember that people are not always who they seem to be online.

* NEVER agree to meet someone in person after chatting with them online.

* Tell your parents or another trusted individual if something you read/see online makes you uncomfortable. Trust your gut.

* REMEMBER: Online safety is not about your parents not trusting you, or your parents wanting to spy on you. This is about PROTECTING YOURSELF.

Protecting Against Identity Theft

* NEVER give out personal/financial information online (including your social security number, account numbers, passwords, PINs) unless you are on a SECURE website. Secure websites have a lock icon in the bottom right corner and their web addresses begin with "https."

* Do not open unfamiliar emails. Delete them immediately.

* Never click on links for websites sent in unsolicited/unknown emails or in popup windows. Physically type out the website's address yourself or locate it with a search engine.

* Use passwords that are not obvious to other people.

* Always log-out of accounts and close out windows when finished using a computer.

* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software programs and update them often.

* Monitor your bank accounts and credit card actively regularly.

* Monitor your credit report and credit score. You are entitled to a free credit report annually

* Keep in mind that you will NEVER be asked for account information or verification via email from a legitimate company. Any email like this is fraudulent. When in doubt, call your bank or financial institution.

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