Talk to your teen. Seventy percent of teens surveyed for Young Canadians in a Wired World say their parents talk to them very little about their Internet use. Finding out where kids are going online – and who they are talking to – is not infringing on privacy but smart parenting. An environment of trust is essential in order to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child. Make sure that your child knows that they can talk to you about anything they encounter online. "Parents need to be involved with their children's Internet use and have open communication about their online activities," says Wing.
Establish rules. Be clear with your child about what they should and should not do on the Internet. The Media Awareness Network Web site provides online house rules that can be used to encourage Internet safety with your child. "Create a set of rules that clearly defines safe and responsible use for the family," says Wing. "As kids get older, and if they follow the rules, they can gain more freedom online."
Interview your Internet service provider (ISP). According to the federal government's Guide to Safe Internet Use, most ISPs have implemented a variety of practices to help their customers have a safe Internet experience. They provide information on Internet safety, operating complaint lines and filtering software.
Report all suspicious and criminal sites. Don't know where you can complain about inappropriate material on the Internet? ChildFind Manitoba started a Canadian Cybertip line. You can call the tip line toll free at 1-866-658-9022, or you can visit them online. The Media Awareness Network Web site provides information on the tip line and encourages all Internet users to report any information regarding incidents of child pornography, luring, child sex-tourism or child prostitution. Call the local RCMP or police force in your area to report a crime. Computer crime investigators of the RCMP are located in all major centres across Canada. They focus on solving computer-assisted crimes, including the distribution of child pornography on the Internet.
Use technology. There are several programs available that will help you filter your child's use of the Internet. Products such as Net Shepherd, RSACi and SafeSurf will allow your child to only access sites rated as "child friendly." The Media Awareness Network
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