FCPS is providing direct instruction through Floyd County's Instructional Technology Resource Teachers about being safe on the Internet. Below are tips, resources, and recommendations we are providing via this website for parents so that they can ensure that they and their children are prepared for a safe Internet environment in their homes.

1. Place your computers in a central location in the home so that Internet and computer usage can be monitored. Make sure that computers are placed in an open area in the home like the kitchen or family room.
2. Beware of compulsive or excessive Internet time by any family member.
3. Never give out personal information such as your name, address, phone number, date of birth, account numbers, passwords or social security number to anyone or to any web page you have not personally navigated to.
4. Never physically meet an online contact who you don't know in real life unless it is in a public place and with adult supervision.
5. Do not post personal information on your webpage or a social networking site. At most only use first names.
6. Don't respond to anything (email, chat, IM) from people that you do not know or recognize their address or are uncertain about.
7. Never respond to emails that ask you to "verify your acoount numbers or passwords" or that say, "'click here' to change your settings because there was unauthorized access to your acconts. Your bank will not contact you via unsecure email and request this information. These emails are called Phishing and they try to get you to provide personal information such as account numbers or passwords.Forward all junk or phishing email to: spam@uce.gov then delete the email.
8. File Sharing of copyrighted music, movies or software is against the law and you can be prosecuted for this even if you own the software. Use only reputable download services.
9. Install virus/spyware protection on your computer including a firewall. Filters and safe surfing software are available for a charge and for free (See Links Below).
10. Find out if your child has an account on any social networking site such as: MySpace, Facebook, Freindster. If they do, ask to see the page. Make sure children turn on the privacy settings to avoid strangers "checking them out. See further MySpace info below.

Signs to look for:
   1. Spending a lot of time on the computer.
   2. Getting very angry if they cannot use the computer.
   3. Using Alt-Tab on the Keyboard to switch screens or minimizing screens quickly when you walk into the room.
   4. Being very moody or reclusive.
   5. Receiving packages, mail, or phone calls from people you do not know.