The Internet is a valuable tool and resource for young people to learn about their world, investigate new things, and connect with friends. However, it is also a dangerous place where sexual predators lurk, images of sex and violence are common, and criminals seeking personal information employ deceptive practices. Below is a Parent-Child Internet Use Agreement that you can print and use with your children to help set limits at home on Internet use:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Internet use contract between parents and children

main contract

1. I will make or find a list of recommended sites for my children to visit.

2. I promise not to use a computer or the Internet as an electronic babysitter.

3. I will try to get to know my child’s online friends and “friends list” contacts, just like I try to get to know their other friends.

4. I will frequently check what sites my children have visited on the Internet.

5. I will establish reasonable rules and guidelines for my children’s use of the computer and discuss these rules, posting them near the computer as a reminder. I will monitor compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time my children spend on the computer.

6. I will report suspicious or illegal activities to the proper authorities.

7. I will provide my children with opportunities for other types of entertainment and recreation that involve physical activity and/or the outdoors.

8. I will look for options to block and filter inappropriate Internet content for my children

9. I will not overreact if my child tells me about a problem they are having online, but I will work with them to resolve the problem and prevent it from happening again.

10. I will put the home computer in a familiar area.

I agree with the above.

______________________________________Date___________________

parent’s signature

child contract

1. I will not give out my name, address, phone number, school, or my parents’ names, address, or phone number; to anyone who meets me on the computer.

2. I will never meet with anyone I have talked to online without first getting my parents’ permission.

3. If my parents ask me for my passwords, I will give them to them. I will NEVER give my passwords or my family’s passwords to anyone else, not even friends or other family members.

4. I will not try to win free stuff or buy things on the Internet without my parents’ permission. If I get a message that I won something, I’ll show it to my parents. If I receive emails requesting private information, I will also show my parents

5. I will use good manners when online, including fair language and respect for others. I will not pick fights or use mean words.

6. I know that my parents will monitor my time online and use software to monitor or limit where I go online. I understand that they are doing this because they love me and want to protect me.

7. I will never enter a site that says I have to be 18 years old to enter.

8. I will never download games, music or videos without parental consent as I know many viruses can infect our computer this way.

9. I will never click on any links in emails or open attachments from people or sources I am not familiar with.

10. I will limit my time on the Internet to: ____________ per day, excluding homework.

I agree with the above.

____________________________________Date____________________

child’s signature

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parents can modify these lists as they see fit. The important thing is that there are some established and enforced limits in the home regarding the responsible use of the Internet. Consequences for breaking
the contract must also be established between parents and children beforehand. It is important to let your children use the computer and become familiar with it as a powerful tool for education, research, and communication. But, the consequences can be devastating for your family if your children don’t learn to use the Internet responsibly.