Family Contract Activity

Purpose

Help parents and children commit to using online safety rules appropriate for their family.

Background for Adults

This lesson is designed to help children feel included in establishing family guidelines for Internet use and safety.  Children are more inclined to follow rules that they helped create; they also learn better when they are included in teaching.  Allow your child input as you write down your family rules.  You may use these rules or adjust them to fit your family. 

What You Will Need

You will need the following items for this lesson.  All items (except the frame and treat) are available at www.iKeepSafe.org/PRC/FamilyFun

• D.A.R.E. Activity 13: “See What I Know!”
• D.A.R.E. Activity 13a: “Safety Book”
• D.A.R.E. Activity: “ Family Contract Sheet”
• A picture frame to hold your Family Contract (optional)
• Treat & family party
• Internet safety games:
  Disney
  NetSmartzKids

The Setting

Where possible, have both parents participate in teaching the lesson.  Sit down together in your home’s gathering area.  You will need access to your computer during the lesson.  Turning off phones, televisions, and radios will send a strong message to your children that their safety is of highest importance to you and that you value this family time together.

To boost your confidence, read through all the instructions and print handouts before you begin.  Smile and look into your child’s eyes—your lesson will be a hit!

Lesson

For younger kids:

1. Make the safety book
2. Go to the family contract at www.iKeepSafe.org/PRC/FamilyFun/FamilyContract .  Review the concepts in the Safety Book and note them on the family contract. Add or adjust items, as appropriate for your family.

For older kids:   

1. Review the basic concepts of Internet safety learned together as a family. 
2. Go to the family contract at www.iKeepSafe.org/PRC/FamilyFun/FamilyContract. Read through items listed on the safety contract.  Ask for suggestions and add or alter items, as appropriate for your family.  Make changes and print.

Summary

Reinforce to children that Internet safety isn’t just for kids—you plan to live by the Family Contract as well. 

Parent: These safety ideas may seem very simple, but they are also very important—just like it’s a simple idea that we need to look both ways before we cross the street or use seat belts in the car.  By living by our Contract when we’re online, we’ll keep our computer and our family safe.  I love you.  Thanks for listening.

Sign the family contract and post it next to your computer.  Celebrate the fact that your family is prepared to use the Internet safely!  Serve a treat and play some Internet safety games: 

1. surfswellisland.org
2. NetSmartzKids

Family Fun: Lesson 4 (approx 15 min)