It is important that you are aware of what is going on when your child is online on the computer. Internet safety for kids has never been more important, than it is today. Allowing your child to go online without any rules and guidelines is like allowing them to explore a big city by themselves. The Internet, like a big city, offers a range of entertainment and educational resources but a big city also presents risks. Our kids need our help, navigating this world. You as a parent can minimize any potential risks of being online.
So what are the guidelines we as parents can give our children?
Never give out any personal information - your real name, home address, your school name, or telephone number to anybody online in a public message such as chat or bulletin boards. If your child wants to give out their e-mail address to somebody they should consult you first.
Web Camera - Never talk over the web camera with people you do not know who they are. You do not know people you met on the internet through chats! Remember people online may not be who they seem. Somebody that says they are a 13 year old girl, could be a older man.
Do not allow your child to arrange a face-to-face meeting - with anybody they have met online. If they do meet somebody online that you feel comfortable with them meeting and you agree them to seeing each other. Meet in a public place and go with them.
Communication - Have a rule that if they ever feel uncomfortable online they have to talk to you. It could be any information they see or if somebody ask them too personal questions on a chat. And there is no need for you to be upset when they come to you. Make sure you praise them for doing the right thing.
Post rules by the computer - Set reasonable rules and guidelines for your child`s computer use. Make sure your child is aware of them and discuss the rules with them. Post the rules close to the computer. Include the amount of time they can be online and what times during the day they can be online.
Keep the computer in the family room - there is no need for your child to have the computer in their room, they should not have anything to hide. That way you know when they are online and for how long they are online. If you keep the computer in your child`s room they might get on the computer after you all go to bed. There is no need for a child to be on the computer after a certain time.
Spend time with your child online - have your child show you what sites they visit and what type of information the sites offers.
Parental Control Software - This is one of the most important things for internet safety for your kids you can do. Install parental control software! We know that our kids and teens do not always tell us what is going on online, but it is our job to protect them. With a parental control software you can record websites visited, block unwanted websites, record emails & attachments and more.
