Melody Street – Online Safety Rules
Last Updated: March 1, 2010

Dear Parents,

We love the Internet and all the information and possibilities it has to offer! We have no doubt that you and your children do too, otherwise we wouldn’t be seeing you here, right?

Unfortunately, along with all the wonder it brings, the Internet also has its downsides due to misuse. That’s why we here at Melody Street are proud to present to you and a carefree world in which your children can wander around without any worries.

One thing to keep in mind is that currently our site does not include software which prevents your child from navigating onwards or backwards. As such, we have no way of preventing your child from wandering to less-safe neighborhoods. For this reason, we have compiled for you a suggested list of to-dos as well as some online lessons you can feel free to pass on to your kids in order to make this a positive experience.

As a parent, we offer you the following tips for yourselves to ensure the safety of the Internet for your child:

Make sure that your child doesn’t spend all of their time on the computer. People, not things, should be their best friends and companions.

Keep the computer in a family room (kitchen or living room) as opposed to your child’s bedroom. This can help you monitor their content, as well as be a part of their reactions, comments and questions.

Learn enough about computers so you can enjoy them together with your kids. Spend time surfing the Internet with your child. This is a great way to learn about the types of interactions your child is having online, and what are the sites they like to visit.

Implement the various filter and other technologies available to you in order to decide which content is best suited for your child.

Make sure that your children feel comfortable coming to you with questions. Encourage open communications about their interests and what they enjoy online. Get to know their “online friends” just as you get to know all of their “regular” friends.

Additionally, we feel that the following tips can be taught to your kids in order to optimize their online experiences:

Not to share account username or password with anyone aside from your parents. Someone else might use your account and pretend to be you, give out your personal information or do something that may get you into trouble.

Your screen name or username should never reveal any identifiable personal information about you (such as full name, birthday, hometown, or school). Never give out personal information, without approval from your parents or guardians. This includes entering a contest or participating in a social site.

In any information exchange, like in an email, IM or chat, never give out any personal information about yourself or someone else. Remember that your online presence can easily be monitored by third parties and nothing you write on the Web is completely private. Be careful what you write and to whom.

Web sites should always tell you (i) why they are collecting personal information and (ii) what they’re going to do with that information. If they don’t, leave and go to a Web site you and your parents trust.

Don’t hesitate to tell your parents if someone says or does something online that makes you uncomfortable, or if someone asks you for personal information.

If you receive offensive or threatening comments online, don’t respond. Log off and report the activity to your parents.

Emails that come from unknown sources could contain viruses or other harmful information. Never open attachments from unknown sender, instead tell your parents right away.

Never make plans to meet an online “friend” in person. The Internet is a great way to learn about other people that like the same things you do, but meeting your Internet friend in person could be dangerous. Let your parents know right away before you make any plans.

Not all websites are meant for kids. Do not visit sites that make you feel uncomfortable – consult an adult.

Avoid chat rooms that are not monitored by moderators.

REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE:
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN FOR HELP.
IF THERE IS NO ONE AROUND TO ASK, JUST LOG OFF.

Enjoy!