There are many ways the internet can be accessed – through the cell phone, video game, laptop, PDA or home computer to name a few. Children (any person under the legal age) seem to gravitate to the internet because of its instant gratification features. The internet allows for immediate contact despite distance and location. The internet provides educational resources and entertainment. It is a wonderful tool. It is a tool that is not going away. It is a tool that constantly changes as technology improves. It is also a tool that parents must closely supervise their children using.
Although the number of instances in very small where the internet was used to harm a child compared to the number of children using the internet, it is devastating when your child is singled out for harm. Parents can limit the number of innocent responses by children when children know parents are available for support and they will not be punished for a situation they didn’t create or is out of their control. The internet isn’t different than your child studying in the study hall, going to a party, meeting new friends or sharing their interests with others in your home or in the neighborhood.
Parents should remember five things about children connected to the internet:
- The two biggest threats to the safety of your children is: the people they meet both in everyday activities and online and the information posted about them by them or others. Don’t blame your child if a situation happens with a (internet) predator.
- All access to the internet by a minor requires parental supervision.
- Understand the different electronic devices and how your child uses them. Allow your child to use the electronic devices according to your family values, their age and maturity level.
- As soon as you begin teaching your child right from wrong, teach them about the proper and safe use of computers and the internet.
- Apply family values, permissions and restrictions to use of the internet.