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INTERNET TOOLS AND SAFETY

RR (Rachel Rules)-things we learned from experience

With the increased use of IM, AIM, ICQ and other Instant Messenger programs, cyber-stalkers and spammers are having a field day. There are some things you can do to help make you and your family safer if you don’t have filtering and blocking tools. We still follow these rules even using the blocking tools.

www.cyberangels.org has tips for parents and how to parent your child online information and articles.

Never, never, never fill out a profile for Instant Messenger services. Most of the information becomes public and cyber predators use this information to target victims. The profile will consist of information such as age, likes, etc. This is not to say you can’t put an away message, just don’t include any personal information. Two or three simple pieces of information can provide enough information for a predator to be just that – a predator.

Never enter a public chat room. A private chat room for you and your friends is preferable. Predators hang out in public chat rooms.

Never divulge any personal information. (see www.cyberangels.org for some good tips and links about this). Teens often give a description of themselves, a school name, etc., and with little effort, they can be found by a predator.

Know who your kids are talking to. Don’t be afraid to check their buddy lists and email. We maintain a rule: If Mom or Dad can’t read it, you don’t need it!

Just because a friend says it is OK to chat with a certain person you don’t know, doesn’t mean it is so. Be picky!

If you think you or someone in your family is being stalked, you will find useful information on how to handle a stalker at www.cyberangels.org/stalking/response.html

www.cyberangels.org

Recipient of a 1998 Presidential Service Award, CyberAngels was founded in 1995 as the first cyber-neighborhood watch and is one of the oldest in online safety education. Our mission is to function as a "virtual 411" safety destination, and to address the concerns of parents, the needs of children, on-line abuse and cyber crime, while supporting the right of free speech.

IT professionals and law enforcement officers from around the world work together to combat Internet crime, and due to a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies, CyberAngels volunteers have been instrumental in putting child pornographers and predators behind bars, where they belong.

We provide online classes on many topics concerning Internet issues for the general public, and help teachers, librarians and parents to work together to teach children and teens how to take advantage of the Internet's vast resources safely through our in-school programs.

We are here to help you with your Internet safety needs - if you suspect you are being hacked, if you are worried about a virus on your computer, if you would like to learn more about protecting your children (or yourself) on-line, or if you are being stalked or harassed.

CyberAngels.org continues to both make news and be part of the news. Referenced in a large - and ever growing - number of articles and television clips on computer safety, CyberAngels has become known as "the country's leading specialist on cyber crimes." (Boston Globe. March 10, 2000). We want to keep you informed about the issues that concern your privacy and your safety online. We support YOU, and your children - in making the Internet a safer place for all of us.

You too can be a part of the solution. Read more about the companies that support our work, then consider supporting Internet safety with your donation.

www.cyberangels.org

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in June 2000, 9 out of 10 children have been exposed to pornography online, most unintentionally.

Spammers and pornographers assault your children and spouse with unsolicited, deliberately misleading pop-ups, Instant Messages (IM) and offensive emails.

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http://bsafehome.com/?115167