While NetAction agrees in principle with the Commission's findings, we encourage a more hands-on approach, as described below. Guide them through a basic budget so they know where their online finances stand. You should also discuss with your child the implications of supplying false information. Make it a rule that your children get permission from you before registering on a site, signing up for a contest, asking for a pen pal, responding to a poll, survey, questionnaire, or application, signing a guest book, or giving out any personal information. Explain to your children why they should never divulge personal information publicly in chat rooms or message boards, or privately in email, without first asking for your permission.
Filters differ widely in their identification of harmful material.
Their priorities affect their ability to discriminate, for example, between pornography and legitimate medical reference materials. If you are considering using any parental control tools, do your own research and only use those tools that are suited to your needs. Make sure your children know that you have concerns about some of what they might see online. Explain that many web tools do not block alcohol and tobacco sites and advertisements.