The Internet is an invaluable tool for children. It allows them to explore the world from home. But with this incredible technology comes danger. By clicking the wrong link or typing the wrong letter, your child could end up on an inappropriate website. Don't despair; it is as easy for you to protect your children from Internet hazards as it is for him to find them.
Communicate
The FBI advises parents to communicate with your child about the Internet. Explain to her what dangers lurk online. Educate her about sexual victimization. Be candid with your child.
Teach your child from a young age the value of the Internet. Show her the resources it offers and explain to her that there is more online than chat rooms and social networking sites.
Surf the World Wide Web with your youngster. Ask her to show you the websites she enjoys. Introduce her to websites that might interest her.
Explain Private Versus Public Information
Tell your child what information he can share online and what is confidential. Safe kids suggests parents warn their child to never give out his home address or telephone numbers on social networking sites or in chat rooms. The site cautions parents to explain to children not to share the name or address of the school they attend either. Another item not to be shared online are personal pictures.
Install Parental Controls
You may not always be around to monitor everything that your child is doing online. But, there is parental control software that can help. There are several brands of software available. Each type can be customized to fit your needs. The Internet Safety Center explains that parents can set the controls to block any website or type of website that you choose. There is also software that can show you what websites your child has been accessing and log all Internet conversations in which your child is engaging.
Set Rules
There are some basic computer rules that will help keep your children safe. It is wise to post these rules next to the computer.
With laptops, it is easy for kids to take computers to their bedrooms or private areas of the house. Kids Health suggests making a rule that the computer stays in a common area so you can see at all times what your child is doing online.
Set hours for computer use. The computer should be off-limits late at night when more adults than children tend to visit chat rooms.
Deem that all passwords are public information. You should be able to access your child's email account and any other Internet account she holds at all times.
Kids Health suggests forbidding your child from accessing private chat rooms. The site reminds parents that email addresses are exposed when messages are posted to chat rooms.
Forbid your child from responding to messages that are threatening, obscene or confrontational. Be sure your child feels comfortable coming to you if she receives a message or email of this nature.
