Computers provide education, entertainment and communication opportunities that could barely have been imagined a few decades ago. Along with mind-staggering improvements in access to information the computer age has ushered forth sundry challenges to parents and adults who wish to protect children from the potentially noxious side effects of the digital revolution.
Many children seem to shun fresh air and vigorous activity as they disappear into their rooms, pecking away on their keyboards for hours on end. Some children appear to relate to their computer more than they do to friends. Violent, amoral adventures draw children into dubious computer games, and danger lurks, barely hidden, on the internet in the form of misguided blog sites, chat rooms and adult sites that lay but a few keystrokes from your child's computer screen.
The Pros
Parents might consider forgoing the benefits of computers, but such an endeavor is a lost if not misguided cause. Knowing how to use computers is virtually a requirement for success in school. Computers are essential research tools, and are the standard means of communication among students, teachers and school administrators. Teachers pass out and collect assignments and administrators communicate with parents and students via the Internet.
Check out the want ads, most of which are now found on computer job boards, and you will see that many of the best paying and most stable careers require significant computer experience and knowledge. Like it or not, your child's education and future career probably rests squarely on his or her computer competency. In the face of this, your best recourse is to provide managed, safe, supervised computer access to your child.
Provide Supervision and Limits
Never let your young child use the computer or the internet unsupervised or alone. The computer should be placed in a public location. During the early years of internet access, you should be present at the computer with your child. Spend time with your child at the computer so you can teach her netiquette and internet safety. Bookmark favored sites to reduce the likelihood of an innocent search summoning inappropriate content. Set up an individual log-on ID for your child with limited privileges. Under "Internet Options" in the Control Panel, set up a high level of security to filter adult content. Download additional filters and software to provide further protection.
Discuss Internet Safety with Your Child
Talk with your child about the risks and dangers to be found online. Instruct them that sometimes adults will pose as children, and that sometimes online friends can make misguided and inappropriate comments or suggestions.
Establish Internet and Computer Use Rules
Set up a rule for your children that they are never to provide personal information. They should be instructed to always tell a parent if something happens on line that makes them uncomfortable. Limit forum participation to kids-only sites. Monitor their computer use and internet history. Limit the types of games they can purchase or play online. Familiarize yourself with the content of the games they play to assure that you are comfortable with the language and level of violence.
Limit Access and Encourage Non-Digital Activities
According to Media Literacy Clearinghouse, media use of computer, video games, print, movie and music has increased to seven hours and 38 minutes per day in 2009. Research described at Health Central establishes a link between media use and childhood obesity. As children spend more time at the keyboard, they spend less time engaged in physical activity. Establish rules that require your child to engage in physical activity in order to earn the privilege of computer use. Encourage your child to participate in non-digital social activities such as social clubs and extracurricular activities. Assure that your child's computer time is balanced with real life social and physical activities.
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