It’s Timmy’s 11th birthday! His friends can’t wait to celebrate!

Happy Birthday, Timmy!!!

Thanks!!

30 minutes later...

OK, everyone, it's time to open the presents!!!!

Yay!!!

Let's do it!

FINALLY!

Timmy received many gifts! His parents gave him the best gift, a gaming computer. Timmy begged his parents for one. He can’t wait to use it. 

Hey, Mom and Dad, can we set up my computer today?

The next morning...

OK but before we set it up, we want to set  rules for using it.

I know you are excited about getting this computer, but remember that too much of a good thing isn’t always good and leads to something that could hurt you.

Like what?

Timmy’s dad explains he should not be on the computer all the time. Too much computer time can interfere with schoolwork, studying, after-school activities, and chores.

Timmy protests that he would never do that.

His mom tells him he has never used a computer before and doesn’t realize that time can get away from him, and he won’t realize he is on the computer for long periods.

Timmy protests again, “I promise I won’t! I won't!”

Timmy’s mom and dad tell him it happens and that there are things he should consider to make sure he doesn’t spend too much time on the computer. 

Timmy promises not to let it get our of hand. Timmy then says he really wants to play video games. He wants to play with them online.

Alright, I know online gaming is fun. You can play these games, but you must ensure you are safe online. Staying safe online is really important because you never know who is on the other side of the screen.

But, it will only be me and my friends. What can happen and how will I know if someone is not a friend?

You might be playing online with a friend, but since you can see them, you don’t know it is your friend. It could be someone pretending to be someone you know who has bad intentions. If it’s someone from school, you can ask them to use a secret code word you’ve set with them. If the don't know the code word, it’s not who you thought it was.

OK, thanks Mom and Dad!