GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S ONLINE ACTIVITIES

It's a good idea to take an active role in protecting your child from Internet predators

and sexually explicit materials that are online. Here are some steps that can help you

do that:

• Become computer literate and learn how to block objectionable material.
• Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch and monitor your child.
• Share an email account with your child so you can monitor messages.
• Bookmark your child's favorite sites for easy access.
• Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior.
• Forbid your child from entering chat rooms; block them with safety features

        provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software.

        Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals your child's email

        address to others.

• Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges.
• Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.
• Forward copies of obscene or threatening messages to your Internet provider.
• Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678

        if you are aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography online.

        Contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI if your child has received

        child pornography via the Internet.