Children
For the most part, our children know far more about the Internet than we as parents do. Some of us, myself included, are still trying to figure out cordless phones, and VCR’s. Our children are on their way to many new and exciting adventures on the Internet. However, many have already been exposed to its many dangers.
There are many benefits to Internet access. The Internet is a great resource for research. It can also be used to check our entertainment options. The Internet can increase reading skills. It is a great way to learn about others, their cultures and traditions. We have access to libraries all over the world. However, there is also much cause for concern. Pornography is so readily available that even our children can access. Once seen, pornography can never be fully erased from the memory. The threat of sexual predators is an ongoing concern. Adults with a sexual appetite for children and teens pose as children or teens to lure victims. According to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in five children has been solicited online. Seventy percent of those happen in the home, yet only twenty-five percent of the victims tell a parent or guardian. Two-thirds of these solicitations are aimed at teen girls.
Cyber-bullying has become a big online problem in recent years. This involves spreading online rumors, and threats. Cyber-bullying attacks the child directly. It can be as devastating as face to face teasing, sometimes more so. It has a long-lasting reach and follows a child everywhere. It can be as benign as teasing or gossiping. It can be as harmful as threatening to kill a child or giving their information to a predator.
How do we combat these problems without taking away the Internet entirely? First of all it is a good idea to get a handle on the location of the computers in your home. A computer should be located in high traffic areas so that whatever is done online can be seen easily. There is no substitute for parental guidance. Know whom your child has contact with on online buddy lists, chat rooms, forums, etc. Find out where they like to hang out online and what kinds of activities go on there.
Teach your children to never give personal information online. It is so very important that children know this. This is the number one way that predators receive information. It is a good idea to not even allow chat rooms. Chat rooms are a great place for predators. Limit instant messaging to a parental approved buddy list and make sure that the list is not altered. Like knowing your kids’ real friends, it is important that you know their Internet friends as well.
These are just a few ideas on how to keep your children and teens safe on the Internet. I know that there are many more, and there is all kinds of information online that addresses these topics. The best thing to do is to communicate with your kids and know the who what where and how of their Internet experiences. They may not appreciate your input now, but as they grow they will come to know that parents only have their best interest in mind.
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