Rules of the Road

1. I will never tell anyone my address, phone number, computer password or name of my school.
   Parents: The Internet is anonymous - you never know who you're really talking to, so DON'T give out ANY personal information!
2. I will make up a cool secret name and use it instead of my real name.
   Parents: This is a good way to protect your privacy online, whether you're a child or an adult.
3. I will tell my parents if I see anything online that makes me feel funny.
   Parents: Anyone with a computer can put information on the Net, and there is no way to control it. If you encounter something offensive, tell your Internet Service Provider (America Online, Prodigy, etc.) right away.
4. I will never agree to meet with someone I've only talked to online.
   Parents: Children - AND adults - should NEVER GO WITH STRANGERS!!
5. I will not answer a message that is mean or makes me feel bad, but I will show the message to my parents!
   Parents: Tell your Internet Service Provider right away if you find something offensive or illegal.
6. I will obey the rules my parents set up for my computer time, because they will keep me safe.
   Parents: Keep your computer in a family room so your child is not isolated. This helps you monitor what your child is doing, and it makes the Internet a family activity.
7. I will remember that not everyone is who they say they are online.
   Parents: A "12-year-old girl who likes bunnies" could really be a 42-year old ex-convict! You can't see who's typing the message!
8. I will never try to play tricks on the computer.
   Parents: Sometimes what we THINK are just pranks are really very serious:

Check out GetNetWise http://www.getnetwise.org for more online safety information.

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