Computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way we
live. But along with this great progress, comes new dangers
and responsibilities. One in five children will be solicited
online this year. As parents, we must do everything we can
to prevent our children from being victimized by this new
breed of child predator.
Below is a link to the Texas Attorney General's Office Cyber
Safety
Information website.
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/criminal/cybersafety.shtml
Communication is an effective tool for parents and guardians when
helping
their children avoid the dangers that exist on the Internet.
NetSmartz
provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to
facilitate
discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety.
Visit "Parent FAQ" to learn more about how and why
parents should use
NetSmartz.
http://www.netsmartz.org/
Securing your personal computer at home plays a crucial role in
protecting
our nation's Internet infrastructure.
You'll find simple steps, practices and resources to learn the
basics on how
to teach your children to stay safe on the Internet.
This website gives you the information needed to secure your
computer.
You'll find practices on how to safeguard your system, a self-
guided cyber
security test, educational materials and other Internet resources.
http://www.staysafeonline.org
Online predators are out there. They can infect your computer
with viruses,
they want to steal your personal information and possibly your
identity, and
they may be out to harm you or the people who use your computer.
i-SAFE America has created this list of helpful tips and
reminders that can
be used to help recognize these potentially hazardous situations
and how to
respond appropriately.
http://www.isafe.org/verizon/docs/tipsheets.pdf
If you or someone you know has been a victim of online abuse,
tell a trusted
adult and submit a report to the cyber tipline.
http://www.cybertipline.com