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The Technology Advisor

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BackToSchool
Text Box: Install web and e-mail filtering software to prevent your children from viewing inappropriate material. A good, inexpensive software is offered on www.bsafeonline.com. Not only will this keep the trash off your computer screen, but it will also stop inappropriate spam from reaching your children. Talk to your kids about online safety and proper Internet usage. Set limits and guidelines about when they can go online, what they can do, and how long they are allowed to be online. Explain why it is dangerous for them to “chat” with strangers online or download suspicious looking files. Give your children specific online guidelines or rules to follow when using the Internet. It’s not enough to warn them about potential risks; pedophiles know how to cloak their identity and gain a child’s confidence to arrange face-to-face meetings. Below is list of rules for kids to follow online: I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address or telephone number to anyone online. I will not give out the name and location of the school I attend to anyone online. I will tell my parents right away if I see a web site, e-mail, or message that makes me feel uncomfortable. I will never send my picture to anyone online, or upload my picture to any web site without my parents knowledge and permission. I will never agree to meet someone face-to-face that I met online without my parents knowledge and permission. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or that make me feel uncomfortable in any way. If I get a message like that, I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service. I will never give my parent’s financial information out to anyone, especially their credit card information, bank account information, or social security number. If you want more information on how to keep your children safe online or to report illegal, violent, or explicit acts towards children, go to www.cybertipline.com. This site is run by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and is a great resource for parents, teachers, and guardians.