December 12, 2002

Tips for Protecting Youth on the Internet

Communication is the key to keeping youth safe from Internet predators says Angie Milakovic, North Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth technology specialist. She recommends on-line safety tips to help parents promote healthy Internet use by children. "In the digital age that we live in, the use of Internet and e-mail by children is increasing at an astonishing rate. It is very important to communicate Internet safety to youth," Milakovic says.

• Remind children that people met on the Internet are strangers. Children should be told not to give out their phone number, address, photos or school information to people they meet on the web. 
• Set time limits for Internet use by children. Be clear about your rules. Reassure children that they can come to you if they feel uncomfortable or scared about issues that come up during Internet use. Let them know that you are on their side! 
• Keep the computer in a high traffic area of your home. This will allow you to monitor children's Internet use without appearing to be watching over their shoulders. 
• Teach children about "netiquette" (etiquette on the Internet) so they know how to properly communicate on the web. Sometimes words and phrases used on the Internet can come across in a negative way. 
• Use the parental controls available on commercial on-line service sites. Also, monitor your modem/phone bill for extra charges.  
• Inform your children never to arrange a face-to-face meeting with a stranger they met on the Internet.

There are several on-line sites available to parents on Internet safety for children. They include www.isafe.org, www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/netsafty, www.fbi.gov/kids/k5th/safety2.htm, www.kidsnewsroom.com/safety.htm.

For more information on Internet safety contact Angie Milakovic, NDSU Extension 4-H youth technology specialist at 701-231-8091 or amilakov@ndsuext.nodak.edu.

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Source: Angie Milakovic (701) 231-8091, amilakov@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Deana Oe (701) 231-8371, deana.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu