Internet Safety

Knowing how to use the internet safely is important for both kids and parents. Every parent should know how to protect their children online, but many may not know where to start.

The FTC has provided Net Cetera, a guide for parents, teachers, and other adults who spend time with kids. This guide offers practical tips for getting the conversation started about social networking, privacy, mobile devices, computer security, and dealing with cyberbullying. 

You can view and download the guide in both English and Spanish.

Here's a few ideas to get started:

• Get wise about online privacy. 
  ​Review the privacy settings on social networks and websites that your children frequent and use them to limit who can view their profile. Minimize the amount of publicly available personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, where they live, birthdates and other identifying information shared online. Help your kids understand what information is okay to share and what should never be shared.
   
• Go where your kids go. 
  Join the social networks your children use to see the comments, images and videos they are posting or being exposed to.
   
• Keep the family computer out in the open. 
  Although this won’t work with mobile devices, keeping the family computer in a highly-trafficked area will discourage your kids from visiting inappropriate sites. Kids who primarily access the internet in their room are more likely to seek out unsuitable content, interact with potentially dangerous people and take foolish risks.
   
• Talk to your children. 
  Share your wisdom on confusing topics like emotions, health, friendships and relationships. Let your kids know you accept and are open to any question about these or other difficult topics.
   
• Find tools. 
  Learn how to talk to your kids about making safe and responsible decisions at the FTC’s Protecting Kids Online website ».

_{Information from the Oregon Department of Justice's Consumer Protection webpage.}