Internet
Safety Tips: The New Jersey State Police
High Technology Crimes and investigation
Support Unit recommends the following
Internet Safety Tips:
Place
the computer in a common area of the residence
rather than a bedroom. This
will encourage online time to be a family oriented
activity.
Become familiar
with the people and web sites your children are
interacting with on the internet,
just as you would get to know all of their other
friends.
Choose a
family oriented Internet Service Provider or Online
Service and use Parental Controls or software to
regulate the type of information and material your
children can access on the Internet. This is
among one of the most important internet safety tips. Most
of the Parental Controls and software allow adults
to restrict access to age appropriate levels. In
the event the children do receive objectionable
material, teach them to avoid responding to messages
that are suggestive, obscene, threatening or makes
them feel uncomfortable. Make sure they are comfortable
in making you aware of these types of messages.
Immediately notify your Internet Service Provider
of the receipt of such material.
Try to select non-descriptive
Account Names and Screen Names for your children.
Their online names should
not be too specific or identify or describe them
in detail.
Never give out
your personal information,
your real name, address, or phone number, or any
personal information about your family or friends
without their permission.
Be careful in chat
rooms. Don't get involved
in fights or use obscene language. You could be
reported and have your internet service suspended
or cancelled.
Be careful in joining
mailing lists, some may make
your personal information public. Don't provide
an address or phone number. The information for
which you are signing up is sent to the e-mail address
you provide, so they don't need your address or
phone number.
Beware of offers
for free items, get rich quick, or weight loss offers.
They may be a scam.
Beware of e-mail
from people you don't know or e-mail you weren't
expecting. It may contain
a virus designed to damage your computer or send
your account name and password back to the sender.
Never send your
picture to someone you don't know or trust.
Remember, the internet allows people to become anyone
they want to be, and they may be someone you don't
really want to know.
