But parents often worry about their child’s safety online. The FBI recommends these safety tips for families:

Set rules. Don’t let your child play on the Internet unless you are nearby to supervise. Put the computer in a place where you can keep an eye on what your child is doing. Know the sites your child visits.

Talk about your values. It’s up to you to let your child know which sites are off limits and why.

Be careful about giving out personal information. Unless you say it’s OK, your child’s name, phone number, or address shouldn’t be given out.

Remember that people may not be who they seem. You can’t see or hear people on the Internet. The person who says “she” is a “12-year-old girl” could be a much older person.

Be careful about face-to-face meetings with online friends. Your child should check with you first. A meeting should be in a public place, and you should be present.

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