Today’s kids are wired to the hilt! They have cell phones, beepers, computers, video games, PDAs, multiple email addresses and anything else you can think of. They work these devices with ease and tend to boggle the minds of the adults around them. However, even the most tech savvy teen or child can get themselves into trouble with their knowledge. Being on the Internet is a way of life. Kids use it for homework, research, communication and fun. The Internet is a wonderful tool for all these things, but it’s not always fun and games waiting for them online.
Chat rooms are popular amongst kids and teens because they can chat with people their own age in other areas of the country. However, there is no way to know that “Timmy123” on the computer screen really isn’t “BadGuy456.” If our kids participate in chat rooms, it is important we are aware of what they are doing and when. Create rules, make sure the kids understand them and make sure you enforce them! An example of some good rules would be:
*Never give out your last name.
*Never tell anyone your address.
*Never tell anyone your phone number.
*Never say the name of your town.
*Never give the name of your school.
*Never tell anyone your parents' names.
*Tell your parents if anyone does something you are not comfortable with.
*Tell your parents if someone asks you for your information even after you say no.
*NEVER meet anyone from the Internet without permission from your parents.
*If you are uncertain about anything that happened to you online, ask your parents for help.
By staying aware of your kid’s online activities, you will help keep them safe. Your kids will be aware you are watching them and will not be as tempted to take risks. Enforce time limits, constantly remind them of the rules and make sure they understand you are serious about them; and, if the rules are broken, make them understand you will take their computer privileges away. It may seem harsh and you may feel like you are policing them, but that is what needs to be done to ensure their safety. Isn’t it worth it to prevent your child from becoming the next victim?
For some additional information, check out the following websites:
Safe Kids.com
FBI Kids.gov
Cyber Angels.org
Smart Parent.com
Web Wise Kids.com
Wired Kids.org
Cyber Patrol.com
Always Safe
Family Fun.go -- Kids' Web Safety Pledge
Software 4 Parents.com
While it is important to make sure your children understand the dangers of the Internet, it is equally important they do not become afraid to use it. There are so many positives to surfing the web, and we want our kids to enjoy it and use it, because it is one of the greatest creations of our age. Find that balance, stay involved in their online activities and be their biggest cheerleader as they expand their knowledge. It will make being online fun for everyone!
We hope this information will help you and your kids have a safe and fun time using the Internet!
~Julie is the wife and mother of a household of computer geeks! There are way too many computers in her house, and her children can surf the web like pros. However, they know better than to not follow the rules or their computers get put on the dreaded time out!
