Security Tips for Parents

As parents, your children's rights and safety are your prime concern. Children should also be aware of the governing laws. Here are some dos and don'ts for you to take precautions and to guide your children who have access to computer connected to the Internet.

DO'S

Learn more about computers and Internet skills.

In this way, you can enjoy the use of computer together with your children and provide proper guidance to them.

Spend time surfing the Internet with your children and educate them on proper use of Internet.

Talk about both the funny things and the dangers, and ensure you know whom your children chat with. Let your children know your values, expectations and what acceptable uses of the Internet are.

Work out some agreements with your children on Internet access.

It is important that your children understand and follow the appropriate rules that will keep them safe on Internet access. Examples include handling, timetable and proper behaviour on Internet usage.

Consider placing the computer in the sitting room.

Knowing you are watching, children are less likely to visit sites / do things that you consider not appropriate.

Use filtering software to block unsuitable websites.

Unsuitable websites include those pornographic, violence and gore sites.

Ensure your children balance the computer use with other activities.

Apart from having fun with the computer, your children should have other activities and interests, like sports, family time and friends in real life. Do not let your children be addicted to Internet surfing.

Monitor your credit card and telephone bills closely.

This is to make sure your accounts have not been misused and your children have not made any on-line purchase without your permission.

DON'TS

DON'T blame or punish your children when they tell you something encountered on the Internet that seems strange or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Remember: it is not their fault!

DON'T let your children order goods online without your permission.

If your children want to buy something online, and you agree to it, then you should complete the order form for them.

DON'T let your children meet an online friend in person without your permission or without adult present.

A person can pretend to be anyone or anything and perhaps they are being nice to your children because they want something. Hence, you should teach your children to treat their online friends as strangers.

DON'T allow online exchange or posting of personal photos of your family unless with persons you know or trust.

Attackers always try to collect personal information from your children to do bad things.

DON'T encourage your children to download materials or photos that are unclear of copyright ownership.

You should teach your children the importance of intellectual property!

DON'T commit illegal offences yourself in order to set a role model for your children.

Note that your children will easily follow what you are doing!

DON'T store your credit card information on your computer.

In this way, your children cannot buy things easily from Internet, without your permission.

Useful Links

Hong Kong Police - Beware of Technology Crimes
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) web page can help you learn more about information on technology crime.

Let's Protect Intellectual Property - Learning Guidebook (in PDF format)
This booklet provides teaching material on intellectual property. It helps students understand intellectual property rights through various interactive activities.

WiredKids
An interactive site on Internet Security for kids and teens. Under the Parents section, you may find useful information on security related issues on Internet and guidelines on educating children on proper use of the Internet. (Only English version is available.)

Hong Kong Education City – Parent Academy - “Unite for a Better Internet”
To provide information on e-learning and the physical and mental health issues that children will encounter when using e-learning. (Only Chinese version is available.)