The Internet can be an educational resource for children and adults, but danger lurks on the Internet. Many misguided, troubled, lost and confused bloggers use the internet to spread a dark vision that is not appropriate for young or impressionable children. Adult sites abound, and can easily be summoned to a screen by typing seemingly innocent search terms. Opportunists and deviants roam the Internet in their quest to recruit victims. What is a parent to do?
Why Not Forbid It?
Learning how to use the Internet is virtually a requirement for academic success. It is a valuable research tool and a commons means of communication. Teachers use the Internet to pass out and collect assignments, and schools communicate with students using the internet. School children routinely use the Internet to communicate with friends and family. Other media, such as video and computer games, film, TV and radio provide information and entertainment, but these other media can't compare to the internet in terms of the depth, breadth, immediacy and social relevancy of the recreational and informational opportunities. Your child will eventually find her way to the Internet. Your best bet is to teach her how to be safe while she is still under your tutelage.
Provide Supervision and Limits
Do not let your young child use the Internet alone or unsupervised. Place the computer in a public, visible location. Spend time online with your child so you can teach internet etiquette and safety. Bookmark favorite sites to minimize the chances of a typo or errant search eliciting inappropriate content. Set up a user logon identification for your child that has limited privileges. Go into "Control Panel," double click on "Internet Options," and set up a high level of security that will minimize the risk of inappropriate content and will prohibit adult content.
Online Protection Resources
Many Internet service providers have parent control options that allow you to block or filter content. You can also download additional filters and software that provides further protection.
Discuss Internet Safety with Your Child
Teach your child about the dangers and risks that exist online. Tell them that sometimes adults will pose as children. Instruct them that children and online friends can be misguided and make inappropriate comments or suggestions.
Establish Internet and Computer Use Rules
Do not allow your preteen child to use private chat rooms. Establish a rule for all kids of any age that they are never to give out personal information such as their phone number, real name, address, school or location online. They should never trade personal photos over the Internet. They should never respond to threatening email, and should always tell a parent whenever there is any kind of exchange or interaction that makes them feel uncomfortable. Participation in forums should be limited to kids-only sites, and adults should carefully monitor the interaction of pre-teens. Learn how to review their Internet history. Let your child know that you know how to monitor their computer use and make sure they understand that you will know what sites they go to.
Warning Signs
There are warning signs you should heed. Unsolicited gifts in the mail from people you don't know and phone calls from strangers should trigger an immediate discussion with your child about the source of these contacts. If your child suddenly turns off the computer when you walk in the room, spends hours alone on the computer, and withdraws from social and family life, then they are possibly doing inappropriate surfing, or getting drawn too deeply into Internet use.
