Net Help: Internet safety

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Note for parents
We recommend that children are supervised while on the Internet. For older children, it's a good idea, if possible, to put the computer in a communal area of the house where you can be involved with what they are doing on the Internet, ask questions and share some of their experiences.

 

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When using the Internet, make sure you follow these simple safety rules:
  • Children - ask an adult's permission before using the Internet.
  • Never give out personal information, such as your name, address or telephone number.
  • If a website asks you to type in your name or email address, children should check with an adult first.
  • If you receive an email from someone you don't know, do not reply to it.

Kids - go to the CBBC Safe Surfing Guide to watch short movies and find more information on safe surfing.

Adults - go to the GetNetWise website for detailed information on helping kids stay safe on the Net.

Other safety issues

Click on a topic for more information.

Keeping your computer up-to-date

To keep your computer secure you should make sure you have the most up-to-date version of your computer's operating system and web browser - you can download patches and upgrades for free via the Internet. For more information, see Technical Stuff.

Computer viruses

To protect your computer from viruses it is essential to have anti-virus software - and to keep it updated. For more information, see Technical Stuff.

Web browser security settings

Your web browser has built-in adjustable security settings. Make sure you use the most up-to-date version of your browser as it will have the most up-to-date security features.

Internet Explorer - to adjust the security settings, click on Tools/Internet Options in the menu at the top of the browser, then choose a tab.

Content adviser - choose the level of language etc., that you find acceptable, then set a password so the level cannot be changed. NB the content adviser works by analyzing codes carried by websites. The codes are regulated by PICS (Platform for Internet Content Selection) and are voluntary - so not all sites will have codes.

Security and Privacy - adjust the sliders to the levels you find suitable. Medium tends to work better than High, which can be too obstructive.

For more information, click on "Help" in the menu at the top of your browser.

Netscape - for security information click on Help/Help and Support Center in the menu at the top of the browser. Then scroll down and click on "Security Center" under the "Help on the Web" heading (you need to be connected to the Internet).

Internet filtering software

This is software that you load onto your computer and which then blocks access to sites that are on its "no" list, or to sites that contain words that could indicate offensive content. The filtering software usually allows you some control over which categories of sites are filtered or blocked, and offer other features such email and chat room filtering.

Filtering software is not foolproof, and we strongly recommend that children are supervised while on the Internet.

For the pros and cons of using filtering programs, and lots of useful information about protecting children on the Internet, visit the GetNetWise Website

Search engines

If you use a general search engine, such as www.google.com or www.yahoo.com, advise children to read the description of each site the search engine lists, to make sure it is really where they want to go. Most search engines now have filters to block explicit content. To set the filters, go to the search engine's home page and look for a "Preferences" link.

A good way to help children access suitable sites is to use a search engine specially designed for children, such as www.yahooligans.com

In case children do accidentally arrive at a website that upsets them, show them how to click on the "Stop" button to stop the website downloading, and how to use the "Back" button in the top left corner of the browser to take them back to the previous site they were visiting.

Safe-guarding personal information

Remind children never to give out any personal information without checking with you first. Children may be asked to give information on websites that ask them to register and log-in, for online competitions or newsletters, on message boards, forums and chat rooms, and if they download programs from the Internet. According to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, it is illegal for a children's website to collect information from children under the age of 13 without informing the parents.

If children give out their email address, they may receive unsolicited email, including advertisements which may not be appropriate for children and also, potentially dangerous mail from people they do not know. Tell children not to reply to email from people they don't know. It is also possible to block email - look in your email program's "Help" file to find out how.

Chat rooms

This is one of the most popular activities on the Internet - but it is also one of the most difficult to regulate. If children do want to participate in chat rooms, we strongly recommend that they visit only "moderated chat rooms" which have a human moderator present at all times. However, even in moderated chat rooms, people can assume false identities or ages, so it is essential to impress upon children that they should never arrange to meet anyone they have talked to on the Internet, and they should never give out any personal information, such as their real name, address, telephone number, or email address, or the name or address of their school.

Visit the Parents Online Website for useful information on chat rooms and Internet safety.

The Chat Danger Website has a cautionary tale, plus guidelines for safe chatting.