Child Safe

Whatever it's called — 'Cyberspace,' the 'Web,' or the 'Net' — the majority of people in developed nations are now going online to exchange electronic mail (E-mail) and instant messages; participate in chat groups; post and read messages in social networking sites and blogs; "surf" the world wide web; and many other online activities. Children are no exception — in fact, they are more likely to be online than adults.

Children can go online from personal computers at home, a friend's house, in school, a library, club, or cafe. Many game consoles can be connected to the Internet and used for chatting and other online interaction. It is also possible to access the Internet on mobile devices such as cellular telephones and other handheld devices. In other words, children don't have to be in the company of responsible adults to use the Internet.

Even though companies that provide Internet access strive to provide their subscribers with an enjoyable, safe, and rewarding online experience, it's not possible for these companies to monitor everyone who uses their service. There are no censors on the Internet. Anyone in the world — companies, governments, organizations, and individuals — can publish material on the Internet.

How Parents Can Reduce the Risks

While children need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement and supervision in their daily lives. The same general parenting skills that apply to the "real world" also apply while online. If you have cause for concern about your children's online activities, talk to them.

Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. By taking responsibility for your children's online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks. Make it a family rule to:

• Never give out identifying information — home address, school name, or telephone number — in a public message such as chat or newsgroups. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, financial information, or marital status. Do not post photographs of your children in newsgroups or on public web sites.
• Get to know the Internet and any services your child uses. Have your child show you what he or she does online, and become familiar with all the activities that are available. Find out if your child has a free web-based E-mail account and learn their user names and passwords.
• Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they "meet" on the Internet without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public place, and be sure to accompany your child.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages.
• Remember that 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.

If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to NetWest and ask for their assistance. If someone sends you or your children messages or images that are filthy, indecent, lewd, or obscene, or if you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report it.