WEP Internet Safety

ROBERT M. NEWELL, PH.D.

FORENSIC AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Specializing in Behavioral Healthcare for Children &

Adolescents, Families, Couples, and Adults.

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WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT

SAFE INTERNET USE FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

The Internet is an incredible resource that links your child to a world of information, experiences, and ideas that might otherwise be unavailable. However, the Internet can also expose your child to a number of risks. It is important for parents to remember that when your child is online, his or her safety may also be on the line. Parents can protect their child from the risks of the Internet by teaching them some basic safety rules.

The Basic Rules for Internet Safety:

· Place your child's computer in an area where you can monitor his or her online activities easily.

· Be aware of your child's online activities.

· Warn your child that identity is easily concealed online and that people may not be who they claim to be. Explain to your child that, for example, an online "friend" who claims to be the same age as your child may in fact be an adult in search of a child victim.

· Warn your child never to reveal any identifying information such as: age, address, phone number, school name, parents' names, parents' employers or work addresses. Caution your child that predators and con-artists are experts at accumulating incremental amounts of personal data until they eventually obtain enough information to locate a user.

· Warn your child never to arrange an in-person meeting with someone met online.

· Warn your child never to accept any attachment sent from someone online who he or she does not personally know.

· Warn your child never to post online a photo of any family member without your permission. Explain that online images may be altered or "morphed" and used on, for example, pornographic sites.

· Consider using filtering or blocking software. There is an extensive array of filtering or blocking software available. Some of it is free of charge. However, you should be aware that the software may not be completely effective, children may be able to bypass the restrictions, or your child may use a computer that is not equipped with these protective devices.

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DR. ROBERT M. NEWELL

Telephone: 509-910-0329

Email: mail@drrobertnewell.com

Website: www.drrobertnewell.com