Filtering and blocking programs can be a part of your Internet safety plan at home, but they don't take the place of a caring and concerned parent.

Spend some time listening to and speaking with other concerned parents. Think of ways and means to communicate with your child and inform them of the dangers of Internet surfing. It’s never too early to speak to your child.

Look for graphic files downloaded – files ending in .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, and .pcx format. Files with these extensions may be inappropriate material from the Internet.

There are now services that rate web sites for content as well as filtering programs and browsers that empower parents to block the types of sites they consider to be inappropriate. These programs work in different ways. Some block sites that are known to contain objectionable material. Some prevent users from entering certain types of information such as their name and address. Other programs keep your kids away from chat rooms or restrict their ability to send or read E-mail.

Get to know the services and programs your child uses – ask them to show you how their favourite chatroom works, or the online games that they participate in.

Promise your children that you won't get angry if they come to you with a problem about an online situation. Stay calm and remember that your children trusted you to help them when they came to you - don't let them down!

Talk to your children about the things that they may encounter online. You don't have to scare them, but teach them that your values offline match your values online.

Children shouldn't spend too much time online - it's just not healthy for them. Encourage them in their other activities such as outdoor sports.

If you download pirated software or other copyrighted material, don't be surprised when your child's teacher calls you in for a conference about plagiarised homework!

Keep your computer in a "common" room - where you can keep an eye on it! You wouldn't allow a stranger in the bedroom with your child, don't allow them in via a computer either. Grant your children Internet access only when you are at home and awake. If they can’t stay out till late at night, they shouldn't be surfing then either!

Don't be afraid of your computer or the Internet, they are wonderful tools that can enrich the lives of every member of the family. Trust your instincts and jump right in. The more you know, the better you can protect your family.

By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, you can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a rule to:

• Never give out identifying information:
  Home address, school name, or telephone number should not be given to strangers.

• Get to know the services your child uses:
  If you don't know how to log on, get your child to show you. Find out what types of information it offers and whether there are ways for parents to block out objectionable material.

• Never allow a child to arrange a meeting:
  A face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission is a definite no-no. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public spot, and be sure to accompany your child.

• Never respond to messages:
  Bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable should not evoke any response from you. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to the police and ask for their assistance. You may contact ASCL FACT helpline at fact@asianlaws.org for any assistance.

• Report abuses:
  Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report this to the nearest police station. You may also notify us if you feel the need to do so.

People online may not be who they seem. Because you can't see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Thus, someone indicating that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could in reality be a 40-year-old man.

Everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that seems to be "too good to be true" probably is. Be very careful about any offers that involve your coming to a meeting or having someone visit your house.

You should lay down guidelines and rules for computer use by your children. Discuss these rules with your child first and then post them near the computer as a reminder.

Monitor your child’s compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child or teenager's excessive use of online services or bulletin boards, especially late at night, may point to a potential problem just waiting to happen.

Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child's bedroom. Get to know their "online friends" just as you get to know all of their other friends.