Deseret News | Leebow's tips for a great Internet experience

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Leebow's tips for a great Internet experience

Published: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003 5:16 p.m. MDT

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When I was a kid, my dad always recommended doing "everything in moderation," and that also applies to the Internet. Even though the Net is incredible, maintaining a well-balanced "offline life" is very important.
Communicate with care. Whatever you type (e-mail, instant messaging and Web site forms) can be easily copied, printed and distributed to anyone.
Protect your online privacy. Never provide your name, address or personal information to strangers.
Do not arrange to meet with someone you encounter on the Internet unless you have taken such precautions as being accompanied by a parent, meeting in a public place and making sure that others are aware of the meeting details.
If there is concern about certain family members' Internet activities, put the computer in a more visible location in the house.
Have open family discussions about the Internet and its appropriate uses. Just as there are movies, magazines and television shows that should be off-limits for kids, it is the same in cyberspace.
Acknowledge, understand and respect the different age groups in the family. The standards for a 10-year-old should be different from the 18-year-old in the house.
Use common sense. Don't go to sites or do things that could create problems.

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If something happens online that seems questionable or inappropriate, report it to a parent, teacher, your Internet service provider or a legal authority.
Check out the "Safety" section in "1001 Incredible Things for Kids on the Internet."