CSEI

Cyber tip of the month:

“Check to make sure that your home Security software and Operation System patches are up to date. Out of date Security software can leave your computer system unprotected and exposed to malicious activity.”

For Parents

Kids today are more connected then any other time in history. This presents a new set of challenges for parents. On one hand you want your kids to know how to use technology and the Internet. And on the other hand you need to make sure that they are safe and don’t abuse the technology. To help better understand the challenges today, the CSEI has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to offer the “Netsmartz Workshop” for parents.

Communication is an effective tool for parents and guardians when helping their children avoid the dangers that exist on the Internet. NetSmartz provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to facilitate discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety.

Suggestions for parents:

Locate your computer in a common area of your house like the family room or kitchen.
Watch what your kids are doing and ask your kids to show you the web sites that they go on.
Talk to your kids about cyber ethics including, bullying, cheating, illegally downloading music, videos, and movies, and Internet stranger danger.
Have your kids sign an Internet usage contract that defines the terms of use.
Review your kids IM away messages and social networking profiles on sites like MySpace or FaceBook.
Set time limits and monitor IM, texting, and Internet usage.
Know your kids friends both online and off.
Check out your kids buddies. You’d be amazed at what you will find out.
Google your kids to make sure that personnel information about your kids or pictures of your kids are not easily searchable on the Internet.
Check your kid's mobile texting usage weekly. Seemingly harmless texting using Instant Messaging (IM) vs. Short Message Service (SMS) can be costly. IM is usually considered out of network and can be charged at the out of network rate. Check with your service provider to verify your messaging coverage.

The Internet is an excellent source of information, entertainment, and social networking. Parents have the challenge of making sure that their kids are safe and act ethically in today’s cyber community.