The Internet is a great resource for kids, offering both entertainment and knowledge. The different ways and places kids can go online is increasing rapidly, cafes, schools, phones, PDA's all offer portals to the online world. Just as in the real world, the virtual world poses dangers to your kids. While very much hyped by media, the dangers for kids online are none the less real. Although ISP's and governments strive to provide a safe enjoyable online experience, it's impossible to guarantee this. Just as in the real world there is no substitute for parents supervising and educating their children, encouraging safe online practices.
How Can Parents Protect Their Children Online?
Children need a certain amount of privacy in the real world, the also need parental involvement and guidance. The balance you strike in the real world should be what you strive to achieve in their online life also. Just as you would in normal activities, if you're concerned about their online activities talk to them. Become involved in their online life in the same way you do with other things they do.
Don't wait until you think there is a problem, your involvement could actually avoid any problems. Many parents shy away from this, after all some have no idea about the online world. If your unsure, speak to your childes teacher, ask a trusted Internet savvy friend. If your child tells you about an upsetting message, web-site or person online, offer advice on how to avoid this in the future. Most importantly the way you react will determine if they come to you in the future with similar problems.
Some ISP's offer Internet filtering that removes some pornography and other content not suitable for kids. You can also buy filters for your computers at home. By installing the filters on your on PCs, you have far greater control over your child's activities. After all would you let the electricity company decide if your children can watch a movie or not? It makes sense you maintain that control. Filters however are not perfect, some sites will get through, administrators of these sites spend their time finding ways around the filters, so do your kids. In addition to an Internet filter, you should filter you e-mail for spam. Much spam has an adult subject so is a source of material kids should not be reading. While filters are a valuable tool, they are no substitute for supervision, the Internet is not a TV or video game, don't treat it like a nanny.
Set Rules The Whole Family Follows Online
The types of rules you should set are in reality the same basic rules you should maintain for your own security.
Never give out identifying information in chat rooms, news groups and forums. Many people other than the intended recipient could read the information. Teach your children to think carefully before giving information such as name, age, phone number, school, financial details etc.
Never give personal information in e-mails unless they're sure they know and trust the recipient.
When joining social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook, or opening instant messenger accounts such as MSN or Yahoo Messenger, use a pseudonym.
If your child opens an online e-mail account, don't let them place their account in the public directory (if the site has one).
Avoid listing your name, or your child's name in any public directories and profiles.
Insist your child has your permission to meet anyone in person they know from the Internet, and never allow them to meet anyone alone. Always ensure there is a trusted adult there and the meeting is in a public place.
Don't allow your child to respond to obscene, suggestive, abusive, or threatening messages. If your child receives such messages forward them to your ISP and ask for help.
Never click links or open attachments in an e-mail from someone your don't know. Such links and attachments can contain viruses, possibly with the aim of stealing personal information.
If your child is being subjected to cyber bullying, teach them to turn off their phone, block the perpetrators profile and ignore their messages. Often as in the real world, if the bully gets no response/reaction they go away. Also make sure your child is not a cyber bully. Most social networking and instant massaging services have an abuse policy and method of reporting abuse, use it. Although abuse policies mainly deal with spam, they are increasing including anti-social behaviour in these policies.
Remember these are rules that the whole family should follow. They will provide the whole family with good personal online security.
The online world of chat rooms, web-sites, instant massaging and newsgroups etc offer both children and adults valuable opportunities for peer socialization and knowledge. With common sense rules, and communication, you can help your child avoid unpleasant and dangerous situations in their online activities.
Wayne Jansson is the creator of PC Help Jansant, providing free online computer and network tutorials. Primarily aimed at home and small business users, offering tools to help you attain the skills and knowledge to master your computers. PC Help Jansant also provides a user to user help forum to assist you in your search for answers.
For more advice and help with computers and the internet visit PC Help - Computer Guides - Help With Computers.
