The Internet is an ever-changing source of communication, information and social activity that is accessible 24 hours a day. While it can be positive and educational, the Internet has a dark side. This same technology makes children vulnerable, according to Louis J. Freeh, former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, parents can implement strategies to help keep their young children safe online.
Age Appropriate
Children age six and younger should not use the Internet, according to CommonSense.com. From ages seven to nine, a child can begin to use e-mail and the Internet with supervision. Do not allow your child to instant message even with approved buddy lists because it is difficult to verify the identity of a buddy. Always provide supervision when your child in on the Internet and consider setting up filters to restrict what he can see and what sites he can visit.
Rules
A few basic Internet safety rules should always be followed, according to KidSmart.org. Teach your child never to give out personal information like his name or address online. E-mails from strangers should never be opened, not only because of virus threats but also because young children should not be befriended by strangers. Young children are often trusting, so parents should tell them that sometimes people online are not who they say. Finally, emphasize that if anything your child sees on the Internet makes her uncomfortable, she should tell you or another trusted adult.
Software
For more protection, parents may wish to install software programs that protect children online. Some programs target specific activities like instant messaging. Others allow parents to set acceptable levels of specific content or restrict particular sites and can be updated as the child gets older.
Technology Gap
Many children know more than their parents about the Internet, according to the County of Ventura, California, District Attorney's office. However, the primary way to combat this gap is simply to provide supervision while your child uses the computer.
For parents who wish to learn more about computers, community centers or local libraries often offer computer or Internet classes. A child's preschool or school may be able to offer referrals to these types of classes.
Tips
Use the computer with your child. Playing games, visiting websites geared toward young children or sending e-mail to grandma can be a family effort. These activities are also a good way to model appropriate Internet usage. By keeping the computer in a busy place like the kitchen or family room, you can discourage your child from hiding Internet activities.
A number of computer operating systems like Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 allow you to create different accounts for each user. These accounts let a parent choose the type of computer activities the user can perform. In addition, browsers like Internet Explorer allow you to set controls on Internet sites.
Young children often want to confide in their parents, so make sure you encourage this communication, establishing a positive pattern at a young age. That way, your child will tell you when anything on the Internet makes him uncomfortable.
