Tips for Parents
- Avoid using the computer as a “babysitter”. Treasure each opportunity to communicate with your children and family members.
- Avoid using internet as a reward for good behaviour or academic achievement.
- Provide guidance and company in using internet. Develop and implement rules/regulations for computer use.
- Help your children develop a wide range of interests.
- Apply parental controls in internet account.
- Beware of the latest trends in on-line culture and provide guidelines when necessary.
- Be a role model for your children.
- Seek professional help (e.g., teachers, social workers, etc.) as soon as possible when you suspect any signs of internet addiction.
Tips for Avoiding Online Traps
- Set and change the password regularly.
- Remember to sign out after you used a public computer.
- Avoid disclosure of your personal information, passwords, and shared accounts.
- Do not open any emails from unknown senders.
- Avoid chatting and contacts with strangers from on-line forums.
- Do not provide your personal information to online friends.
- Stay alert when chatting with online friends. Superficial information may not be trusted.
- If you are invited out by online friends, think twice about your personal safety before accepting the invitation. Meet your friends in a public space rather than somewhere quiet or at home.
- Once you are requested to do something that is unreasonable or make you feel uncomfortable, stop all the contacts and seek help from your parents or someone you trust.