The internet is a very powerful source of information. It can keep you in touch with others, help with research and study or take you where you want to go in an instant.

However, there are risks and dangers associated with using the internet. Therefore it is important for families to minimise those risks and avoid problems by using the internet safely and responsibly.

South Australia Police (SAPOL) State Crime Prevention Branch in partnership with 'Cybersmart Kids Online' is working to promote internet safety and awareness for families and children.

For more information click on www.cybersmart.gov.au.

Before you access the internet, talk to your family about staying safe online and the need to have an internet safety plan in your home. Discuss the benefits and risks and teach your children to use the internet safely. It is important to be connected to a family-friendly internet service provider and ensure safety software is installed on your computer eg filter and anti-virus software.

Set up the computer in a public area of the house, not in a bedroom. Always supervise and monitor internet use within your family.

Here are some tips on how to go about teaching your children to be safe whilst online:

• Spend time online with your children.
• Help them to use the internet as an effective research tool.
• Be aware of online stranger danger, particularly in chat rooms.
• Talk to your children about their internet experiences. Let them know it's ok to tell you if they come across something that worries them.
• Teach your children how to deal with inappropriate and disturbing material.
• Teach children that internet information is not always reliable.
• Encourage children to treat others online as they would in real life situations.
• Know the best ways of avoiding spam (unwanted 'junk' email).
• Consider using filters, labels and safe zones.

REMEMBER! THE BEST PROTECTION IS PARENTAL SUPERVISION

Here are some tips for children to help them be safe on the internet.

• Always be alert when surfing the internet - you don't know what's around the corner.
• If something appears on your screen that disturbs you, tell your parents or teacher.
• Remember you won't get into trouble by letting people know what you have stumbled across.
• If you hear or see your friends getting into 'unsafe zones' remind them of the potential dangers and how to do the right thing.
• Keep personal information to yourself (including photos, your name, the name of your family members including parents, your phone number, credit card details etc). Strangers might use your personal information in a way that you never intended.
• Chat rooms are great ways to talk to people but beware that some people are not who they say they are. If someone or something disturbs you in a chat room, leave the chat room and find one where there are people you like. Talk to your parents, carers or teachers if you need advice.
• Remember not everything you read on the internet is true. Be smart and make decisions for yourself on what you think is right and wrong.
• Be careful downloading free files or games. Sometimes people can trick you into clicking onto a link that sends you to an 'unsafe zone' or makes your computer download a virus or spyware.
• Always seek help from adults or friends. Your parents might not know as much about the internet as you, but they know about life and together you can surf the internet more safely.
  

IF YOU SUSPECT A PERSON OF USING AN INTERNET CHAT ROOM TO ENGAGE IN INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR REFER THE INCIDENT TO POLICE

Be Alert, be safe. For more information visit www.cybersmart.gov.au or call the Cyber Safety Contact Centre 1800 880 176.

For more information

For more information about internet safety and awareness:

www.cybersmart.gov.au.

Cybersmart Kids Online is a community awareness project developed by The Australian Communications and Media Authority ACMA (http://www.acma.gov.au/) with the objective of providing parents and children with information and tools to help them have a rewarding, productive and safe experience on the internet.

The Virtual Global Taskforce

The Virtual Global Taskforce http://www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com/ is a collaborative alliance involving law enforcement agencies from around the world. Its aim is to work together to combat online child sex exploitation and to make the internet a safer place.