Get with the program
The Internet is a place where both children and adults can learn, express their creativity, and connect with other people. It is wonderful technology that many people now have access to and are able to take advantage of. The Internet has become an extremely social place, especially for teenagers. Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are popular among teens because they can connect and keep in touch with friends by posting and browsing profiles, photos, and online journals. Teens can certainly benefit in many ways from using the Internet; however, parents really need to understand what to keep an eye out for in order to keep their teens safe. Giving teens clear guidance about using the Internet will support their becoming safe and savvy Internet users.
What parents should know about the Internet
Become computer literate. Spend some time learning about your computer and browsing the Internet. Find out what monitoring is available through your computer, Internet provider, or even separate software so you can know what sites and pages your child is visiting. Learn what is age-appropriate by talking to other parents and visiting websites that your child talks about or visits. For example, according to the company’s chief security officer, MySpace was designed for people over 14 years of age.
Know your child's favorite sites. Go online with your child and find out what her favorite sites are. Ask to see her blog or online profile on sites such as MySpace of Facebook from time to time. Talk to her about the importance of keeping her password private and only accepting and allowing people who she truly knows to view her profile. Teach her not to post any personal information such as her address and phone number. Set limits on what your child can do on the Internet, and bookmark her favorite sites. Using the Internet for recreation and playing computer games are privileges that can and should be taken away if your child does not follow the rules.
Make some rules. Just like with television, it is important to set some rules for your child around computer and Internet time. While your child may need to use the computer to complete a homework assignment, do limit the time he spends on the Internet, instant messaging, and playing video games. Keep the computer in a common area and restrict Internet time to when you are home, which can be done by making your computer password protected.
Find out about online protection. Most Internet service providers or even computer operating systems offer parental controls that allow you to block certain content that may not be age-appropriate for your child. Do not allow him to enter online chat rooms – this may be a safety feature that you can choose when you set controls. Also find out what, if any, controls are available at your child’s school, library, after care center, friends’ homes, or any place where your child might use a computer without your supervision.
Learn what to look out for. If your child is secretive or becomes obsessive about her Internet use, spends time online late at night, or is socially withdrawn and does not have many friends, these are signs that your child may be sharing too much information with strangers. Children aren’t always aware that the person they are communicating with might not be who they say they are, and they do not realize how many people have access to the information they post.
For more information from parents, teens, and experts on safe socializing on the internet, visit http://www.connectsafely.org/.
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