A family Internet code

What you can do...

• There is no 'one size fits all' family code. Your family is unique so your code should reflect this.
• Your code should cover the following areas: acceptable use, personal safety, health and safety, and what to do if things go wrong.
• Always keep the internet-connected computer in the living room with the screen facing outward so you can see what's going on.
• Print a copy of your family code and place it next to the computer workstation to remind everyone of the conditions they helped to put in place.
• Remember, the best way to understand what your child is doing online is to become an internet user yourself and become actively involved in their surfing sessions.
• Decide whether or not the code should extend to visiting family or friends.

Here is an example of a family code:

Acceptable use:

• No-one is allowed to go to pornographic, racist or any hate-motivated websites. If your child accidentally stumbles upon any they should tell you. You can then delete it from the history folder.
• It's never OK to use abusive or threatening language in chat, or any other online communication.
• No one should visit the private areas of chat rooms, only visit moderated chat rooms.
• Never be online for more than 20 minutes at a time (this can be extended according to age).
• Your child shouldn't download unknown files from the internet without you agreeing. The best bet is to never download unknown files at all.
• No one is allowed to download, burn to CD and pass on any music, images or movies downloaded from the internet.
• Your child should only use child-friendly search engines like Yahooligans [External Site] or Ask Jeeves Kids [External Site].

Safety:

• Keep all personal information secret. This includes name, age, sex, home address, landline and mobile numbers, bank details, PIN numbers, passwords and user names. If it is necessary to supply details for registration, or to buy something, your child should always ask for permission and help from you.
• Remember, an online friend is a stranger in the real world so your child should never arrange to meet someone they have met via the internet without your knowledge and permission. You will go with your child if they do arrange to meet an online friend.
• Your child should not give any indication of their age or sex in a personal email address.
• No one should visit private areas of chat rooms. All chat rooms visited should be moderated and child friendly.
• No one should respond, reply or unsubscribe to unwanted email or SPAM.
• If your child receives frightening or bullying emails, or any SPAM with unacceptable content, they should tell you. It is not their fault that they have received them.

If things go wrong:

• Your child should always tell you if anything worries or upsets them.
• You should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to find out about any child-safety measures they offer and complain to them if your child stumbles upon any inappropriate content or is subjected to any inappropriate contact while online.
• You should install and regularly update filtering software to protect against inappropriate internet access.
• In case of illegal materials, contact the Internet Watch Foundation [External Site].

 

 

 

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