One of the tools you can use to protect your children is a family online safety contract where you can define internet usage rules for parents and children in your family. When you’ve created such a contract, your children will know what is expected of them and what they are can or cannot do, as well as your obligations as a parent.
We’ve collected a few sample contracts that you can use as a basis. You can use them “as is”, amend them to suit your family’s specific needs and the age of your children, or create your own.
Tips for creating a family online safety contract
Explain to your kids that the contract is meant to help them and keep them safe and not to limit them or make their life difficult. Talk to them about the potential dangers of online life such as cyberbulllying, sexting, and online predators
It could be a good idea to sit down and define online house rules together. If you decide to use one of the sample contracts listed below and your kids suggest a change, try to understand why. They may be right!
Make sure you read through the different sections of the contract with your children and that everyone understands each and every item.
Everyone should sign the contract – parents and children – to confirm that they have read and understood the terms and that they agree to them.
Once everyone has signed place the contract in a visible place next to each computer in the house.
As your kids grow, the contract may need revising.
Following are a few contracts that are available online. Look through them and see if you can find one that suits your family’s needs.
Organization:
FOSI – Family Online Safety Institute
Activity:
The Family Online Internet Safety Contract
Website:
Parent contract and child contract.
Organization:
SafeKids
Activity:
Family Contract for Online Safety
Website:
Kid’s pledge and parents pledge.
Organization:
Cyberbullying Research Center
Activity:
Internet Use Contract
Website:
Outline parent and child’s expectations.
Organization:
Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens
Activity:
Parent-Teen Internet Use Agreement
Website:
Items such as “I will protect my personal privacy by: …” to be filled out by parents and teens and signed.
Organization:
US Attorney General
Activity:
Internet Safety Contract
Website:
Pledge for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Organization:
Get Game Smart
Activity:
Make a Pact
Website:
Interactive tool guides you through creation of an online safety agreement by filling out preferred options, such as who will be able to view child’s online profile (options: everyone, friends only, no one). End result can be printed. Includes all media: media, such as video games, TV and the Internet.
Organization:
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Activity:
Internet & Cell Phone Use Agreement
Website:
Short and straight forward.