Internet Safety 101 from Honeywell Security

Narrator: The internet is a very important part of every family's lifestyle. Where else can you research school projects, shop 24/7, or chat with friends? But if it isn't used properly, the internet can also be dangerous. This video is designed for families to watch together so they can develop an internet safety plan.

Let's review some simple rules that every family should follow. The first way to stay safe is by keeping the computer in a common area instead of in a child's bedroom. When the computer screen can be seen by everyone, it's much easier to keep an eye on internet use, and before children use the computer, it's a great idea to install parental controls.

These can be found through your service provider, or you can purchase special blocking software. Filters are a great first step for safety, but they can't block out every danger. Make sure you are monitoring your family's internet usage. Get to know how your child is using the internet. One way to learn this is to sit with your child at the computer; have your child show you what he or she does online. Who knows? You may learn a thing or two in the process.

Let's review some of the rules we've covered so far. Keep the computer in a common room. Install parental controls, and get to know how your child is using the internet. Now let's talk about some important points that kids should follow. First, never chat with people you don't know. Since you can't see the people you're chatting with, they could pretend to be anybody they want.

If someone tells you they are a 9-year-old boy, they could actually be a 35-year-old man. To keep safe, only chat with people you know, and when you're online, never give out personal details. What type of information am I talking about? Things like your name, where you live, your computer password, even the name of your school or sports team.

For example, if you have shared the name of your soccer team and your number, a predator could use this information to find you. These rules also apply to all your family and friends. Don't give out any information about anyone else before getting permission, and digital photos should never be shared with strangers.

You should never accept or open attachments from people you don't know. If you open an attachment from the wrong person, it could destroy your computer files. Ask your parents to use anti-virus software. Be sure they update it often. It's better to be safe than sorry, and most importantly, you should never meet online friends in person, since they may not be who they say they are.

There are many unsafe things that can happen on the internet, so there's one overall rule children should always follow. Tell your parents or another trusted adult, if at any time you feel uncomfortable with anything that's happened. If someone sends you something that makes you feel uneasy, don't reply. Tell your parents or a trusted adult, so they can contact your online service provider. If anything unsafe happens, you can report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This safety organization will ask questions about the event, and refer you to people who can help.

We've covered a lot of information about internet safety. To help you remember all these ideas, post some easy to read house rules right near your computer. You can also develop a contract for family members to sign, to ensure that everyone is following internet safety rules. The internet is a great source of valuable information, by following these simple tips; you can keep your family safe from harm.