 |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
|
|||||
Tech Tip 75 – Parent’s Primer to Children and the Internet
|
|
Let’s face it. Technical literacy is a fact of life, and our children know more about what’s happening on the Web than most adults do. As their world expands, and they become familiar with the resources the Net has to offer, we are faced with a dilemma: in an environment where anything goes, how do we monitor what our children see and do when they are more proficient than we are with Cyberspace’s offerings? Tried and true parenting methods should work with 21st century Cyberspace as they would in matters of the “real world.” By becoming active participants in a child’s learning, parents can actually help prevent unsolicited behaviors and risks their child may encounter online, and help kids reap the greatest benefit from their experience in this medium.Benefits and Risks of Web Surfing
Cyberspace is a valuable resource if kids can learn to filter content appropriately. Not only can a kid get ideas for science projects and learn about history from a variety of sources, but kids can learn about any subject, usually in much greater detail with much more live data than books can offer. The Internet can help children learn problem-solving skills, improve writing skills, teach programming, and they can learn to analyze the pros and cons of the things they find in their research. These are important tools your kids can use in the future in an economy turning increasingly towards information services.
The key to making Cyberspace educational rather than criminal is active parent participation and involvement. Set the ground rules for online time. It’s the same as with any other “real world” parenting problem. |
We’ve all heard the tales of child predators lurking about the Internet from the news: stories of meetings between under-aged kids and much older adults. We’re also aware of the existence of indecent materials littering the Internet. While these occurrences are rare, they are nevertheless a part of Cyberspace, part of the world of e-mails, chat rooms, instant messaging, and forums. Kids may run a gauntlet of unpleasant experiences such as hostile language, online bullying, and gossip. They can expose your computer to malicious software and viruses, be targeted by hackers when they download “safe” attachments and files, create potential financial and legal problems when they disclose a parent’s credit card number, or release too much personal information. The Internet remains unregulated and open to all. While these risks may deter you from allowing your child the luxury of Internet access, the benefits could potentially be much greater.
On the social scene, Cyberspace provides a great environment for kids to meet others of like mind and interest. Unlike school yards and classrooms, where kids are pigeon-holed into being of a certain class and stature, there is no face-to-face on the Internet. A child can pretty much be who he or she is without feeling the same level of alienation as they may in the classroom. Establishing Rules of the Road
|
To prevent the risks of web surfing from becoming a reality, take responsibility for monitoring your child’s use of the Internet. Understand and be knowledgeable about the medium itself and decide what is appropriate for your child.
Remember, you can control what your child accesses to a certain point. Filtering and blocking programs are not foolproof, and if your child wants to see something, he or she can usually gain access through another venue. Set reasonable expectations between yourself and your child. Establish a trusting relationship.A Contract Between You and Me
Before your kids hit the Net running, establish an understanding between your child and yourself. One way to establish this relationship is to create a contract that is accessible to both parent and child. Your contract should include the following provisions: |
1. I will leave personal information like my name, address, school, and family out.Sample contracts are available at www.safekids.com
Anything goes on the Internet, but we shouldn’t be afraid to let our children explore the possibilities. Be vigilant, be wise, and most of all, don’t discourage your child getting online. Participate in your child’s adventures and help your child understand and conquer this new world that is such an intrinsic part of life today. |
Did you find this article helpful?
Do you have a question or comment?
|
