Internet Safety Tips

• Keep usernames and profiles generic and anonymous Discuss your child's online screen name(s), profile(s), and activities. Many provide too much personal information. Ensure all screen names and profiles are non-specific and purposely vague.
• Avoid posting personal photos
  Pictures can be altered to embarass or humiliate. They also provide personal information that can help someone on the internet pretend to know you, your child, and/or their friends.
• Always keep private information private
  With just three pieces of personal information, specialized internet search engines can be used to locate someone anywhere. Internet conversations should never include any personal information.
• Keep the computer in an open areaA responsible adult should always accompany minors while they access the internet to provide support and direction should they be confrotnted with an aggressive solicitation or inappropriate materials.
• Respect children's privacyRespect your child's privacy but make certain they know personally everyone on their e-mail "buddy" list.  Work to generate parent-child trust that supports open and honest internet use.
• Be part of your child's online experienceIt can be a fun journey to explore the wonders of the internet as a family. As computer-savvy as kids and teens are today, they will certainly teach you a thing or two!

The four Rs of Internet Safety

RECOGNIZE techniques used by online solicators to groom and deceive their victims.
REFUSE all requests for personal information, to keep the relationship secret or to meet anywhere.
RESPOND assertively by exiting the program, logging off or turning off the computer.
REPORT suspicious or dangerous contact that makes you ro your child feel uncomfortable.

Internet safety tips from www.isafe.org.

ConnectSafely.org has great tips regarding safe social networking.

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Academic Tips

Be generous with praise

Observe your child carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs improvement, find a positive way to talk about it with your child.

Encourage "personal best"

Help your child by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, "personal best" does not mean "perfect", and learning is not the same as high grades. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them.

Make learning a priority

Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression on your child. Show your child, by example, that learning is a priority.

Show interest in school work

• Talk about school each day.
• Ask to see classwork.
• Have your child read aloud to you.
• Read to and with your child from a variety of material in your first language.
• Encourage your child to discuss new ideas and opinions.
• Show appreciation for good efforts.

Offer suggestions for success

Help your child use the following strategies to improve performance in school:

• Read the assignment when it is given.
• Keep a list of new vocabulary.
• Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.
• Review notes before a test.

Schedule study time

Set up an area for homework away from noise and distractions. Post a family calendar that schedules school project deadlines, after-school activities, mid-term dates, exam periods and report card dates.