Kids safety

Parental controls are a great start to ensuring your child is safe and secure when browsing the Web. But software alone will not protect your child completely. Educating your child about the Web's risks is just as important as showing him or her how to cross the street at a busy intersection.

Speaking with young children

Use these discussion points when educating your kids about safe surfing.

General rules:

• If unsure, ask a parent
• Never give out special information about yourself, others in your family, or other people you know, without first asking a parent. This includes:
  • Your name and the names of people in your family or who are close to your family
  • Your address
  • Phone numbers
  • Passwords
  • Email addresses
  • Credit card numbers
  • Personal government security numbers, such as social insurance numbers

When you look at Web sites:

• If you visit a Web site that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared, tell a parent
• If you want to enter a contest or sign up for a fun Web site, talk to your parents first
• If a Web site asks you if it can download or install a program, always say no

If you use email or instant messaging:

• Never reply to an email or message from someone you don't know
• If someone writes something that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared, tell a parent
• Only give out your email address to trusted friends
• If someone invites you to meet him or her in person, do not accept or reply, and tell a parent
• Don't open email attachments if you are unsure as to what the file really is, especially if you don't recognize the sender. The attachment could be a virus or spyware.

Speaking with teenagers

Discuss the following with your teenagers:

On Instant Messaging.

• Most instant messaging programs allow you to restrict who can chat with you. Keep only your trusted friends on this list.
• Don't reply to requests from people you don't know or names you don't recognize.
• Some people on chat systems are actually "bots" that mimic human questions and responses. They may sometimes be funny but some have malicious intents, such as trying to get personal information out of you. Do not reply to these bots.
• If allowed to use a Web cam, only use it with the friends you trust

Online bullying and harassment.

If someone is bullying you over the Internet - a classmate sends multiple emails saying nasty things, for example - it's harassment. You don't have to put up with it. Tell an adult (your parents, a teacher, the principal of your school) right away.

Real-life meetings.

If someone invites you to meet them in person, always discuss with your parents first. If your parents agree to the meeting, bring a parent or other trusted adult with you.

Tips for parents

When taking a good look at online security, here are some things to focus on:

Use security software.

Use parental control software, along with other necessary security programs such as virus protection, spyware protection, and a firewall. Learn more.

Talk to your children.

Talk to your children about the rules and limits you want to set when they use the Internet.

Surf together.

Surf the Web with your children. Let them explore the Web in front of you. It will give you the chance to gently guide them on good surfing habits. Little by little your child will begin to absorb the safety rules you establish.

Set limits.

Like television and other forms of entertainment, set limits. One hour of Internet after supper if homework is done, for example.

Move the computer to an open area.

If you believe that your child may be surfing sites you think are inappropriate, move the computer into an open area, such as in the corner of the living room.

Ask about contact lists.

Ask your child if he or she knows everyone that's on their contact list for messaging, or if they are getting emails from someone they don't know. Don't panic if there are some; ensure your child deletes these emails or removes them from their contact list.

Keep a close eye on your telephone and Internet bills.

When using broadband (cable, DSL), certain ISPs charge extra if you exceed a download limit. Many ISPs allow you to verify your usage limit from their Web site.

TELUS can help

Help protect your children online and make their Internet experience more enjoyable with TELUS Parental controls software.