SAFE ONLINE

Click HERE to download our handy SAFEONLINE guide

With the internet now a part of everyday life, your children will no doubt want to use it to play games, chat with friends or maybe even complete their homework!
It would be wrong to stop them using such an important tool because of horror stories seen on the television and read in the newspapers. Just a few easy steps can allow your children to be safe whilst using the internet, and afford you piece of mind.

Below is a list of saftey tips for you and your children to follow:

KEEPING SAFE ONLINE

• Discuss with your children your concerns about them using the internet. If you are open about it, then hopefully they will be to.
• Always make sure your children are supervised whilst using the internet.
• Set your children up with their own user account on the computer. This shows that you trust them, but allows you to block software which they may try to install (such as chatroom software).

SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN

• Never give out personal details - always use a nickname instead of your real name.
• If something makes you feel uncomfortable, then turn the computer off.
• NEVER agree to meet somebody you chat to online.
  

Parental control software, which allows you to block access to certain websites, can be useful. Remember, children can always find a way! At Conceptual we believe that being open and educating your children about the dangers on the internet will be a lot more effective, allowing your children to learn and have fun on the computer.

Here are a series of links for you to look at, they will allow you to make a more informed choice about your childs use of the family computer.

All of these sites will open in a new window

THINK U KNOW - Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre and contains loads of information on internet safety and safe surfing for young people.

NATIONAL CHILDRENS HOME - The National Childrens Home page on internet safety.

SAFEKIDS.COM - An American site, but with very useful information.

THE INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION - To report illegal content found on the internet