| 1. | Teach your child the online safety code: A recent survey¹ revealed that nearly one fifth (19 per cent) of children younger than 13 have already been bullied online, while another 14 per cent have talked with a stranger online. Ask what your kids are doing online. Make sure they understand the potential dangers of the Internet and what to do if they encounter a cyber-bully or predator. |
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| 2. | Become cyber-savvy: This will help you teach your children the Internet do's and don'ts. According to the survey, more parents - indeed, a majority (50 per cent) - feel that it is easier for them to knowledgeably educate their children about sex (22 per cent) or drugs (28 per cent) than about Internet safety (39 per cent). |
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| 3. | Keep computers out in the open: Set-up your home computer in an open space like the living room where you can monitor what your child is doing online. 29 per cent of parents keep the computer in a location not recommended by Internet safety advocates (child's bedroom or basement). |
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| 4. | Create an Internet kid-zone: The Internet was not created with child audiences in mind. Look for an Internet service designed for kids like KOL (www.aolforkids.ca) - a safe Internet world that allows children to explore, learn and have fun within an online environment in which parents can set the ground rules.. |
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| 5. | Keep an eye on your child's Internet surfing: Set-up parental controls to monitor your child's online activities. Almost half of parents (43 per cent) have no parental controls or do not know what security controls they have in place. |
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| 6. | Set time limits: Nearly a third (31 per cent) of kids between the ages of eight and 12 spend one to two hours online each day. Another seven per cent spend over three hours! |
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| 7. | Remember the "Never Swim Alone" rule: While 72 per cent of parents say they would never leave their child unattended in a swimming pool, a full 83 per cent admit to leaving their child unattended while online. Monitor your children closely so they don't tread into troubled waters on the Internet. |
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| 8. | Discuss online safety with teachers… to ensure online supervision is also a part of your child's educational environment. Survey results reveal that parents admit knowing little to nothing about the Internet safety policies at their child's school (74 per cent). |
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| 9. | …and other parents: Nearly a quarter of kids (22 per cent) say they have been peer pressured to click on inappropriate Web sites by a friend. Talk with the parents of your child's friends to find about more about who is influencing their Internet activities. |
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| 10. | The Internet is here to stay: 54 per cent of Canadian parents say their child spends more time on the Internet now than last year. In addition, nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of children would rather play on the Internet than play outside. ² |
