Children and the Net

The Internet has many positive benefits for your children. It can be used to enhance your child's reading and language skills, as well as for communication and reference uses. However, just like television, the Internet does pose a risk for your child if used without proper supervision. Shentel has compiled a list of helpful information you can use with your child.

How to protect your children

The best defense to shield your children against questionable material or contact is to spend time together using the Internet. This will help you develop Internet skills as well as allow you to know what sites and information your child is accessing online.

Install software that will block questionable sites and/or monitor your child's activity while using the Internet. There are several software packages available online or in stores that will block specific sites from being accessed. Several of these will also allow you to go back and look at a list of the sites your child accessed while on-line. Two popular software packages that provide these abilities are Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com) and Cyberpatrol (www.cyberpatrol.com).

Place the computer in an area where you can easily see the computer screen. This will allow you to easily monitor what information your child is viewing.

Establish guidelines for Internet use. You can even write up an agreement to establish rules for Internet use.

Tips to discuss with your child

• Never give out personal information such as your last name, your phone number, where you live, go to school, password information, your picture, or any other personal information.
• If someone on-line makes you uncomfortable, tell your parents or a responsible adult immediately.
• Never agree to meet someone in person that you met while on-line.
• Do not sign up for anything free or for special services without your parent's permission. These sites may have hidden charges.
• Don't open e-mails or other files from people you don't know or trust.