10 Commandments for Kids Online

10 Commandments for Kids Online

I've said many times both here and in person that the Internet is not a babysitter. However, the computer can be a forum for kids to learn about responsibility while enjoying safe web surfing. This month, I am copying Kim Komando's 10 Commandments for Kids Online into this article. Special thanks to Kim Komando for publishing these.

Sometimes, the Internet can be an unsafe place. Because of this, I am making this agreement with my parents to help keep me and my family safe.

1. I will talk with my parents and we will set up rules for when I go online. We will decide the times of the day that are right for me to use the computer, how long I can use the Internet, and the kinds of places I can visit and the kinds of places I will always avoid.

2. No matter who asks while I'm online, I will never tell anyone that I am home alone, or give out my last name, my home address or telephone number, the name of my school principal or teachers, where my parents work or their telephone numbers at work without getting my parents' direct permission. I will never give out my friends' names, addresses and telephone numbers, and I will remind them to never give out my name, address or phone number.

3. If anyone online does anything strange or writes anything that makes me feel confused or uncomfortable, I will tell my parents right away.

4. I will never send anyone anything, especially a picture of me or my family, without getting my parents' direct permission.

5. I WILL NEVER, EVER MEET WITH ANYONE I'VE TALKED TO ONLINE WITHOUT FIRST TALKING WITH MY PARENTS.

6. I will NEVER give out my online passwords to anyone--not even my friends. No matter how "official" it looks, I understand that no one should ever ask for my password online. If they do, I'll tell my Mom or Dad right away, because I understand that this is just a way to trick me into giving out the password.

7. If I want to download any games or programs, I will show them to my parents first and ask permission.

8. If I receive any messages or pictures that are mean or dirty, I realize that this is not my fault. I agree to tell my parents right away so they can notify our Internet service provider and stop this kind of thing.

9. I will never use bad language or send mean messages online. I will tell my parents if someone does that to me. If I send or receive messages that use "secret" or "code" words or symbols, I will explain to my parents what they mean.

10. I give my parents permission to look on my computer whenever they want to see where I have gone on the Internet, the e-mail I have sent and received, or what I do in a chat room.