From Deseret News archives:
Leebow's tips for a great Internet experience
- 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.
- 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."
