Today's children are introduced to the Internet, web applications and social networking at an early age. Because they don't understand the risks of the Internet, it's up to you to make sure their time online is safe, fun and educational. Even teens are vulnerable to online predators, as demonstrated by the Megan Meier case----her former friend's mother set up a fake MySpace account to find out what Megan was saying about her daughter. The mother and an accomplice created a fake boy who was interested in Megan, who then turned on Megan, telling her, "The world would be a better place without you."
Step 1
Talk to your children about the Internet and explain that, because the people who use the Internet are able to hide their identity, it's necessary for you to make sure they're safe as they are online. Explain that they should never reveal any personal information, such as their names, ages, address or the schools they attend, suggests the University of Michigan Health System.
Step 2
Set daily limits on how much time your children can spend online. Stress that they should use the Internet as an additional tool to communicate with friends, but other activities take priority----homework, chores and physical activity. Be ready to follow up any violations of your time limits with consequences, according to Web Wise Kids.
Step 3
Tell your children what sites they are allowed to be in and what sites you don't want them joining, writes the University of Michigan. Social networking sites have minimum ages at which they allow children to become members. Make sure your children comply with these age restrictions. Set up an email account you can share with your children as this makes it easier for you to monitor any emails they receive.
Step 4
Set your computer up in a common room of hour home----the den, family room or another room where you and your family spend most of your time. Your computer should not be in a bedroom, where your children can get into sites you don't want them participating in, advises the University of Michigan. The key is to ensure you're able to monitor your childrens' Internet use.
Step 5
Monitor your older child's use of social networking sites, including MySpace and Facebook. Web Wise Kids recommends that you look at the information your child is posting on her wall. Don't overlook any videos or photos they have posted. As you monitor their social network use, track what other sites their sites are linked to.
Step 6
Tell your children they can talk to you openly about anything they experience online that frightens or upsets them. They may resist doing so because they're afraid you'll restrict their use of the Internet, writes Web Wise Kids. Depending on what is happening, actions such as predatory behavior, threats or cyberbullying, are things you have to know about so you can take the appropriate steps to protect them. If you do have to restrict their online time, explain you're doing so to protect them, not punish them. While the restriction is in effect, set up new screen names for your children so they can't be harassed further. Remind them not to give the new screen name to the persons who were harassing them.
Tips and Warnings
- Make use of technology developed to help protect your children. This includes filtering software, blocking software, monitoring and tracking software and programs that prevent personal information from being sent online, writes the University of Michigan.
- If someone begins to threaten your child online or is attempting to meet them, notify the police right away, according to Web Wise Kids.
