While the Internet can be an amazing educational tool and informational resource, that same power and flexibility in finding and delivering information to your computer can also be a gateway to material that is both questionable and inappropriate for young and developing minds.  Parents, educators, and other adults whose roles involve the care of children do not always recognize the risks and responsibilities of allowing children access to the Internet.  TCT requests that you take the time to review these simple suggestions on how to manage your child’s access to the Internet and ensure that the content they view is both safe and wholesome.

Children should view age-appropriate sites and materials.  You can best monitor your child’s access by being present while he or she is using the Internet, or by purchasing filtering software designed for this purpose and reviewing the time, activity, and websites visited.

If your child is visiting a home with Internet access, please make sure the adults of the household are aware of your family’s Internet use policy before the visit takes place.

Please ensure your child is aware of the risks of exchanging personal information with strangers.  Make sure your child realizes the importance of not opening E-mails or attachments from a stranger without your specific permission, or downloading or uploading files that you haven’t specifically reviewed.

Like television or video games, the Internet can become an unmanageable part of your child’s life if not handled responsibly.  Please be aware of the amount of time spent online by your child on a daily basis and make sure that it is only one of a number of activities for entertainment/recreation or education in your child’s life.