Sponsors 
The Internet
contains a wealth of valuable information.
Unfortunately, it also presents thousands of websites
that simply are not suitable for children.
WriteAPrisoner.com is dedicated to protecting
children from such content.
Please take a moment to
learn more about the steps we take to keep kids safe online, as well as ways you can
help.
How WriteAPrisoner.com
Helps Keep Kids Safe Online
Our policy strictly prohibits minors from
contacting inmates or from even accessing our website.
When a pen pal emails an inmate on
our website, certain information is recorded, such as the Internet Provider
Address and Internet Server. This information can be used to contact and
pinpoint a user’s Internet provider, such as
AOL
or Yahoo. If a minor contacts an inmate, the minor is reported to their
hosting company, and we send a letter to the resident of the house notifying
the adult on record of what happened. We also send the inmate a letter
acknowledging that we are aware of what has transpired and request he/she ceases contact
with the minor. In addition, the email address from which the message
originated is permanently blocked from sending any further messages to our
site. This is almost a non-existent occurrence. The inmates are not seeking
correspondence with minors. An inmate’s mail is already much more regulated
than a normal citizen’s mail, and they realize this will only bring more
problems.
How You Can
Help Keep Kids Safe Online
1) Become computer literate.
Today’s children are especially Internet savvy, so it’s important
that you learn how to block objectionable material.
2) Install search filter software, which can
be found at: www.netnanny.com,
www.cyberpatrol.com or
www.safesurf.com. In addition to
these sites, many Internet Service Providers provide Parental Controls to
help make the Internet safer for children.
Please check with your specific Internet Service Provider for more
information.
3) Set rules and guidelines for Internet use
by your child. Go over these
rules with them to ensure they understand the rules.
It’s also a good idea to post the rules near the computer as a
reminder.
4) Place your computer in a common area, such
as the kitchen or living room.
This makes it easier to monitor your child’s computer activity.
5) Set up a shared email address with your
child, so you can monitor email messages and other online activity.
6) Never use your child’s real name in his/her
screen name or email address.
Also, make sure your child knows never to share personal information such as
name, school name, location, address, and phone number.
7) Bookmark your child’s favorite
websites for quick and easy access.
8) Maintain an open line of
communication and encourage your child to tell you if he/she has encountered
an uncomfortable online situation.
Take any such claims seriously and praise your child for coming to
you with this information.
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