Family code
Involving the whole family in setting out rules for internet
use
There are things you'd rather your children didn't see, places you don't want them to go and people you need to protect them from. As parents we've probably all discovered that just saying 'no' isn't enough to stop children's natural curiosity. Well it's exactly the same with the internet.
A family code is a way of including children in developing a set of rules for using the internet. Being involved will help them understand the dangers and give them a sense of responsibility, which they are likely to take with them when they surf at school or at friends' houses. After all, if your children are old enough to use the internet, they are old enough to be involved in creating a family 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 and 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 Safety 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]
Next Steps
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