The Web has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and purchase items. Web sites exist for everything from baby names to vacation homes to health tips. Even children can get in on the action, with fun and educational sites geared just for their enjoyment. Before you let your kids take the Web by storm, remember that the information highway is not without peril.
Parents have to watch out for unscrupulous predators, inappropriate site content, and cyber bullying among other concerns. Although older kids love sites like MySpace and Facebook, they can open your child up to big challenges. Serve as an active guide as your child navigates his or her way through the Internet.
To keep your kids safe on the Web, follow these tips:
- Stay current yourself. Make sure you are computer literate and Internet savvy.
- Put the computer in a public area and monitor your child’s usage.
- Pop over and say hi to your children while they surf. If they start closing windows or acting defensive, you may need to investigate.
- With tweens and teens, know your kid’s online activities and online friends.
- Discuss Internet safety with your children. Explain that they should never go into private chat rooms, give out personal information, or agree to meet someone they meet online. Continue to regularly follow up with your kids after the initial conversation.
- Review parental control options, block adult chat rooms, and install filtering/blocking software.
- Prohibit your child from sending or receiving online pictures.
- Limit the amount of time your kids spend online.
- Ask your child to let you know if he or she receives any strange or inappropriate messages, requests, etc.
- Remain involved. Ask your kids about the sites they are visiting and their online experiences.