Start the New Year with some Safety Pledges for your kids

Internet Safety Pledge

1.I WILL TALK WITH MY PARENTS OR GUARDIAN ABOUT THEIR EXPECTATIONS AND GROUND RULES FOR GOING ONLINE

I will talk with my parents or guardian so that we can set up rules for going online. The rules will include the time of day that I may be online, the length of time I may be online, whom I may communicate with while online, and appropriate areas for me to visit while online. I will not break these rules or access other areas without their permission.

I will never download anything from anyone I don't know. In addition to offensive content, spam or junk e-mail may contain viruses that can damage my computer.

2.I WILL KEEP MY IDENTITY PRIVATE

I will never share personal information such as my full name, my mailing address, my telephone number, the name of my school, or any other information that could help someone determine my actual identity.

I will also not reveal any personal information about my friends or family. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents or guardian.

3.I WILL NEVER RESPOND TO ANY ONLINE COMMUNICATION THAT MAKES ME FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE

I will tell a trusted adult if I come across any information that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

I will never respond to any messages that are rude or offensive in any way. I will show the message to a trusted adult right away so that he or she can decide if it’s necessary to contact the online service or other authorities.

4.I WILL NEVER MEET IN PERSON WITH ANYONE I HAVE FIRST “MET” ONLINE WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT WITH MY PARENTS OR GUARDIAN

Since the biggest danger to my safety is getting together with someone I have first “met” online, I won’t meet in person with anyone unless my parents or guardian agrees to the meeting, they will go with me to the meeting, and the meeting will be in a public place.

5.I WILL RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S RIGHTS WHILE ONLINE

The Internet is a large community; therefore, my behavior while on it affects others. I will always treat others the way I would like to be treated.

I will respect copyright laws and check on sources. When writing reports I will make sure that the online sources of information are credible, and I will always cite my sources.

Piracy is illegal and keeps authors, artists, and others from getting paid for their work. I will never download things such as pictures, games, music, or movies that have not been given to the public for free.

Real World Safety Pledge

1.I WILL TAKE SOMEONE WITH ME WHEREVER I GO.

If I go anywhere, I will take a friend, brother, or sister with me. When I am with friends and something happens, there is a better chance that we can help each other to be safer.

I will get permission if I need to go out alone and make sure that a parent or guardian knows the details of my whereabouts.

2.I WILL TELL A TRUSTED ADULT WHERE I AM GOING AT ALL TIMES.
It's important that a trusted adult knows where I am going to be, who I'll be with, what I'll be doing, and when I'll be back. I will check in regularly by directly telling, leaving a note, or leaving a phone or e-mail message letting my trusted adult know the details of my whereabouts.
By keeping others informed about my activities, I can better protect myself. If I'm ever faced with a risky situation or get into trouble, my family and friends will know where to begin looking for me. I will avoid situations that put me at risk in the first place.

3.I HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY "NO."
I have the right to reject unwanted and inappropriate attention such as teasing, touching, and bullying. If someone – anyone – touches me in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable, I have the right to say "NO." I will pay attention to my feelings and use my best judgment.

Whether it is peer pressure about sex, drugs, or doing something that I know is wrong, I will be strong and stand my ground. I will make my feelings known by using a firm, loud, voice clearly stating 'No." If my friends are making bad decisions, that doesn't mean I have to, and I will try to help stop them from doing so.

4.I WILL TELL A TRUSTED ADULT IF I FEEL SCARED, UNCOMFORTABLE, OR CONFUSED.
I will talk about my problems and concerns with a trusted adult; and I know someone will be there to help me. I will remember there is a solution to every problem and talking it through with a trusted adult will help. I will trust my intuition by recognizing when I am feeling uncomfortable and taking action to get myself out of that situation.

You may download printable pledges here http://www.netsmartz.org/resources/pledge.htm#mshs
to share with your kids and sign. Don't just assume that your kids know this information, anytime is the right time to talk about safety online or offline.

What do you do if you believe your child has been approached online by a predator? You can contact your local law enforcement and go here for more information.

Click here for the Cyber TipLine and more info