· Where children and young people are given access to undertake their own searches on the internet, the following search engines have been recommended by the Department for Education and Skills :

o KidsClick web search for kids by librarians

o Superkid

o Yahooligans! Web guide for kids

o Your Local Authority may also operate a local search engine facility appropriate for children and young people.

· Where children and young people are being encouraged to undertake subsequent searches on the internet at home, they must only do so with the knowledge/supervision of their parent or carer.

· Warn children and young people about the dangers of giving out personal details on the net.

· Ensure children and young people obtain parental consent if they wish to develop internet friends into face-to-face friendships. Even then, they should always be accompanied on any first meeting.

Internet guidelines for children and young people Be Net Smart !

· Never tell anyone you meet on the internet your home address, your telephone number or your school’s name, unless your parent or carer specifically gives you permission.

· Never send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details, or anything else, without first checking with your parent or carer.

· Never give your password to anyone, even a best friend.

· Never arrange to meet anyone in person without first agreeing it with your parent or carer, and get them to come along to the first meeting, which should always be in a public place.

· Never hang around in a chat room or in a conference if someone says or writes something which makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, and always report it to your parent or carer.

· Never respond to nasty, suggestive or rude e-mails or postings in Usenet Groups.

· If you see something you don’t like (eg bad language or distasteful pictures) then move on or click “back”. If you are still concerned, talk to your parent or carer.

· Always remember if someone makes you an offer which seems too good to be true, it probably is.

(Based on guidelines from NCH, one of the most useful sources for the latest information on internet safety for children and young people. www.nch.org.uk)