Protecting Utah Families

As the parent of a young child, I am very concerned about television and Internet content. It is also important to me that federal anti-obscenity laws are better enforced.

I am also a supporter of Internet filtering in schools and libraries, the recent creation of the ".kids.us" domain, and measures that reduce offensive spam-- but legislation can only go so far. Community participation in these issues is critical.

Concerned parents, teachers, and web users should be alert to widespread problems such as identity theft and fraud. The Internet is a valuable tool, but we need to collectively ensure that it is not a vehicle for predators and criminals.

Though I am proud to be part of ongoing efforts in Congress to protect children, there is still much work to be done. Please email me if you have any questions about legislative efforts or if you have suggestions about resources that might help other Utahns. Thank you.

Internet Safety Rules For Children
Courtesy of the Utah Department of Public Safety

• I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
  
  
• I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
  
  
• I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
  
  
• I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
  
  
• I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
  
  
• I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.