The Barn Fellowship Ballymoney
Internet Safety

Internet safety tips

• Keep the computer in a family or shared room.
• Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to.
Let them know that it's OK to tell you if they have a problem.
• Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used, to chat, use message boards and instant messenger programmes.
• Help your children set up their email accounts and 'spam' filters
if your child receives spam / junk email & texts, remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them. It's not a good idea for your child to open files unless they know what they are.
• Limit the amount of unsupervised time your children spend online.
• Encourage your children to be open about their Internet friends and the time they spend online.
• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends—personal information includes their messenger id, email address, mobile number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends.
• Help your child to understand that some people tell lies online and that therefore it's better only to talk with people they have met. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust.
• Always keep communication open for a child to know that it's never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Teach young people how to block someone online and report them if they feel uncomfortable.
• Report any incidence of online Abuse

Security Tips

• Always Use Anti-Virus Software - And keep the software up-to-date. Over 500 new viruses are discovered each month. You are not just protecting yourself when using virus software, but also others you communicate with
• Always Use a Firewall - A firewall is an "internal lock" for information on your computer. Many computer operating systems already have firewalls installed; you just have to turn them on. There are many other firewalls available to download or buy that help you secure your computer. Learn more about firewalls.
• Learn the risks and rules associated with sharing files or your Internet connection - You can be exposed to danger via e-mail, file-sharing, a broadband connection or a Wi-Fi connection. Learn more about "sharing".
• Disconnect From the Internet When Idle - If you are not using your Internet connection, turn it off. No one can attack your computer when it is not connected to the Internet. This is especially important if you have a high-speed connection.
• Use unique passwords - And don't share your passwords with anyone. Learn more.
• Be in Control of Your Software - The software and operating system on your computer have many security features, many you may not use. Learn how to automatically update your operating systems with security patches, to activate firewalls and to turn off any extraneous options that leave your computer vulnerable. Learn more.
• Use Tools to Enhance Your Protection - Learn about tools that can help to protect you from viruses and hackers.
• Take Action Immediately - If you think you have been hacked or infected by a virus contact your ISP. Learn more.
• If you have been hacked or infected by a virus contact your ISP. Learn more.

Links

1. Organisations
a. www.ceop.gov.uk
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, Internet Police
b. http://www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com/
The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) is made up of law enforcement agencies from around the world working together to fight child abuse online.
c. http://www.childnet-int.org
A non-profit organisation working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children”.

2. Useful websites
a. http://www.childnet-int.org/sorted
Good advice for parents and young people, written by and 18 year old.
b. http://kids.getnetwise.org/
GetNetWise is a public service to help ensure that Internet users have safe.
c. http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Information and help from CEOP
d. http://www.microsoft.com/protect/family/guidelines/basics.mspx
Sort of useful info from Microsoft
e. http://www.bbc.co.uk/chatguide/
information on how to keep you and your family safe online

3. Software
a. http://www.netnanny.com/
b. http://www.cybersitter.com/
c. http://www.cyberpatrol.com/
d. http://www.childnet-int.org/links/

4. Children’s Links
a. http://www.disney.co.uk/DisneyOnline/Safesurfing/index.html
b. http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/
c. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/help/safesurfing/index.shtml

5. Interactive
a. http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/helpplus/
BBC video guides to
b. http://kids.getnetwise.org/tools/searchsafe/
Using Safe Search