Guidelines for Parents We have talked about the "dark sides of the Internet," and about some methods that make an effort to prevent negative effects of the Internet, such as filtering software, legislations, etc. However, many people agree that the most valuable and effective way of preventing children from accessing sites that are detrimental in any way is to have their parents supervise them and guide them in the use of cyber world.
What Can Parents Do?
There is no substitute for responsible and vigilant parenting. We also know that if we attempt to blindly enforce all the rules, come up with the list of things our kids should and shouldn't do, it might not work. Communication is the best tool. Children should realize why they should refrain from doing certain things in Cyberspace; and careful reasoning and explanation would be more effective than simply a list of do's and don'ts.
There are many things a parent could do to make net surfing both safe and fun. First of all they should make this a family activity, spend as much time on the Internet with kids as possible, and focus on the good materials available.
If children notice a parent's interest in Web surfing, this positive association will encourage the children to continue with the interesting searches or activities that they started doing together and to share with parents their cyber-experiences. This sharing is very important. Parents should encourage their kids to talk about their experiences on-line, show interest and support them in their activities.
If kids talk about what they do in Cyberspace, there is a greater chance that there isn't anything that they are hiding. If, at some point, a child brings something inappropriate to a parent's attention, such as an offensive message, the parent should not overreact; next time the child might not be willing to talk about it. It is a good idea to discuss what happened and explain to the child the possible causes and ways to avoid it next time.
We should remind children that people on-line might not be what they seem; a 14-year-old girl might turn out to be a 55-year-old male. In addition, everything that is said on the Internet might not be "guaranteed" free trips, cash, or even scholarships are likely to turn out to be scams.
Another safety tip would be to remind the kids not to click on any links that come with e-mails from people they don't know -- it might turn out to be pornography, offensive messages, or simply a virus. If the child does get exposed to any unwanted messages that could be belligerent, offensive, or aggressive, parents should explain to him/her that it is best not to reply to these comments. Also, parents should forward these messages to their ISP provider and ask for their assistance in stopping this unwanted mail.
Here are some more guidelines:
-- Share an e-mail account with your child in order to oversee their email (but don't be too obtrusive!!!)
-- Join your child in a private chat (if he/she doesn't mind!)
-- Make perfectly clear the dangers of giving out their personal information to ANYONE on-line.
-- The same goes for photographs and real names.
-- Do not allow your child an unsupervised meeting with someone he/she met on-line; if they do want to meet, they should do it in a public place and in your presence.
-- Encourage your child to send e-mails to their friends -- it will reduce the chance that he/she would want to communicate with strangers.
-- Keep track of what your child downloads.
-- Familiarize yourself with on-line services your child uses. (Learn how to use the HISTORY button!)
-- Keep in mind that children on-line are at greater risks during evening hours -- that's when on-line predators and pedophiles are likely to be on-line.
-- Place your computer in a public, central area of your house like the living room or kitchen. This will reduce the likelihood of your child visiting "adult" Web sites and engage in inappropriate conversations.
-- Select a provider (ISP) who provides the option of ISP-filtered access.
-- Educate yourself about the Internet and, once again, make this a FUN FAMILY ACTIVITY!!!
-- Report any messages or images that are obscene, harassing, annoying, or indecent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens CyberTipline at 1-800-834-5678.
Parents, your attention to the way your child uses Internet is the most effective tool in avoiding trouble of any kind. Protect your children form the dark side of the Internet, and show them the fun side of it. There is so much to learn form the Internet; I am sure not one of us wants to restrict our children's access to it because of fear of inappropriate materials. If you want to navigate the Internet, learn to do it the right way.
Great Web Sites for Children
Kid Favorites
Kids 2000
Children's Web Site Finder
Great Sites
Free Zone
Cartoon Network
Kids.Com
Disney.Go.Com
