Family Internet Guidelines
As family members, we are committed to keeping our family safe online when using electronic technologies.
Access to the Internet is an earned privilege.
Each family member should be accountable for certain rules and expectations.
As a family we will review this guideline regularly. We will also review these guidelines before introducing a new device or in response to a concerning incident involving a family member, a member of our friend group or the community.
Family Rules
As parents and children or teens, we will:
- Use Internet technology responsibly so it does not interfere with our:
- Relationships
- Family
- Friends
- Monitor our own internet use so that it does not interfere with:
- Dinner
- Sleep
- School
- Work
- Homework
- Planned family time
Discuss times when the Internet is unavailable or off limits to each of our family members.
- Not send messages, pictures or videos in anger. These can be hurtful or threatening to others.
- Not write or send anything to anyone using the internet or phones that we would not say face-to-face.
- Not take, send, post or forward pictures or videos of anyone online without that person's permission.
- Not take, send, post or forward inappropriate messages or pictures that are potentially hurtful or threatening. This includes:
- Sexual words
- Hurtful phrases
- Potentially embarrassing pictures of ourselves or others
A good rule to follow is: Would I show this to my family? If not, do not send!
- Not use the Internet or electronic devices when they interfere with:
- Work
- School
- Homework
- Chores
- Family time
If I am told that my Internet use is disruptive, I will wait until a better time.
- Discuss our Internet use regularly and adjust our use as we grow as a family.
Parent Rules
Child or Teen Rules
As a child or teen, I will:
- Be respectful of others on the Internet
- Not share passwords or personal information such as date of birth or location with anyone
- Respect and follow the times of Internet use and the limitations established by the school and my parents
- Share my concerns about any bullying that I am experiencing online by talking with my parents
- Not be at risk of losing computer privileges if I seek help for being a victim of bullying