The Internet & Your Child
If you are reading this blog you are likely pretty comfortable with the Internet, the Internet/texting lingo that is an integral part of computer culture and are aware of the possible dangers lurking within it. But what about your children? Do they use the Internet yet? Do you know what sites they are visiting and who they are talking to? In this day and age, talking about Internet safety with our children is just as important as talking to them about strangers.
Our children will grow up texting and Instant Messaging more often than talking on the telephone. Entertainment, social networking, learning, and everyday living will be thoroughly integrated with the Internet. Our children’s use of the Internet will be central to who they are. Thus it is important that we make time to learn about the websites that our children are using and the Internet/texting lingo they communicate in.
Of course there are programs that filter and block certain sites but these programs have limitations; a filter inside our children’s heads is always going to be work better. Children who have rules about their Internet use have a significantly decreased chance of risky Internet behaviour. Experts recommend holding a family meeting where you discuss and agree on a few fundamental rules about Internet use.
Things you can do to encourage safe Internet use:
1. Set Basic rules. Key rules can include;
• Have children agree to never make plans to meet with someone that they have met on the web unless parents agree to go with them.
• Posting with respect; talk to children about the impact that their words might have, and whether their jokes will be considered funny to absolutely everyone
• Have children agree to ask parent’s permission before using their full name, address, telephone number or school name anywhere on the Internet.
• Have children agree to never give out a credit card number or passwords on-line.
• Encourage children to not respond to messages that make them feel uncomfortable or uneasy
• Encourage children to tell you or another adult they trust if they see something online that is scary or that they don’t understand.
2. Show and Tell: have your kids show you what they do online and talk about their online interests and experiences with them
3. Computer Location: put the computer in a room the family uses often, like the kitchen or living room. This way you’ll have more awareness of their online activities.
4. Encourage Questioning: teach your children that they cannot always believe what they read or see online. Encourage them to ask questions, to doubt and to think critically about what they see/read. Teach them how to use other resources to recognize truth from fiction.
5. Keep Things in Perspective: remind yourself, and your kids, that although there is plenty of danger lurking on the Internet and that rules are important, there is also lots of useful information online.
Resources – Websites:
Internet/texting lingo: http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php
http://www.netlingo.com/top50/acronyms-for-parents.php
Safety: http://www.safekids.com/safety-advice-tools/
http://www.safecanada.ca/link_e.asp?category=3&topic=94
Labels: Children, internet, Parent Ed, safer internet day
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