Staying safe online

Staying safe online
Michael Sullivan, deputy bureau chief with the Illinois Attorney General's High Tech Crimes Bureau, lists the following as his No. 1 Internet safety tip:

"Never meet anyone in person that you met on the Internet. That goes for adults as well as children. The fact is, someone on the Internet that you don't know personally is a stranger."

Sullivan adds that the buddy system so many people used when they were children is still a good rule of thumb for adults if they are considering a relationship over the Internet.

Other tips for keeping children safe online, courtesy of WiredKids.org, MySpace.com and the FBI:

WATCH

• Keep the computer in a family room so parents can monitor what happens online.

• Be alert if children receive gifts or letters in the mail or unusual phone calls.
    

• Keep kids out of chat rooms or monitor their chats. Know who they talk to.

• See what Web sites children create online. Review what information and pictures are being released, especially personally identifiable information.

• Review what files are on the computer. If computers are too confusing, ask a friend, relative or co-worker to help.

TALK

• Let children know not to give out personal information such as phone numbers or addresses.

• Explain that people may not be who they claim to be. Some adults pretend to be kids.

LIMIT

• Set time limits on surfing and restrict most computer use for specific purposes, such as school work.

• Consider installing software that monitors Internet surfing.

For more tips visit wiredkids.org, myspace.com or wiredsafety.org.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.