Kids surf the Internet, download from it, listen to music on it, watch movies on it, chat with friends on it, use social networking sites like Face Book and My Space, shop on it, and play on it. The Internet is an awesome learning tool forhomeschool kids, private school kids, or public school kids; however, parents need to teach their kids how to surf safely. They must be proactive. There are plenty of predators, bullies, porn sites, and scam artists just lying in wait for their next victim. Take the necessary steps today to keep your child as far from Internet dangers and abuse as possible.
Internet safety for kids is crucial today because one out of every five kids connect to the Internet via a cell phone, and they report that their parent is unaware they do so. Some even connect via their DS or Wii. According to Kim Thomas, “Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey: Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Parental Controls,” Cox Communications (2009), one half of all teenagers post their real age on social networking sites. Two out of five post the name of the city where they live. Most kids do not take time to set the privacy controls on their social networking page either which means anyone can view their posts, pictures, information…
Content filters and blockers are super tools to use with young kids. They give you more control over where they go and what they do online. Consider tracking software for older teenagers. Tracking software means you are able to see which sites your child visits. Even if you use content blockers, filters, and trackers, please understand that many kids will discover ways to get around them. You have to stay on top of it all the time. In addition, not all sites post industry ratings that filters, blockers, or trackers will recognize. Because of this, make sure you talk to your child about what to do when something scary or inappropriate happens.
Many families today find that setting up a Signed Contract, Usage Agreement, or Internet Policy with their child is effective. You might want to print your Internet Safety document and post it beside the computer as a reminder. Begin by discussing with your child the various pitfalls of the Internet. They need to be aware of what is out there and what types of things might entice them in order to avoid them. Once your child has a basic understanding that safety is important while surfing, you can begin to talk about a usage agreement. Brainstorm with your child about ways to surf safely. Write down their ideas and your ideas. Together, choose the best and most important ideas for the new agreement. When some of the child's ideas are included in the agreement, they are more willing to abide by it. Ownership is important.
Here are some suggested ideas:
- I will not give out a credit card number online without a parent present.
- I will always tell a parent if something is confusing or seems scary or threatening.
- I will never give out my full name, real address, telephone number, school name or location, schedule, password, or other identifying information when I am online.
- I will check with an adult for any exceptions.
- I will never fill out any form online that asks me for any information about my family or me without asking my parents first.
- I will never have a face-to-face meeting with someone I have met online. In very rare cases, my parents may decide it is O.K. only if they are with me in a public place.
- I will not post or send pictures or other content that will embarrass me or get me into trouble.
- I will never post inappropriate pictures of others or talk bad about someone online.
- I will not respond online to any messages or emails that use bad words or words that are scary, threatening, or just feel weird. If I get that kind of message, I will tell my parents immediately.
- I will avoid chat rooms.
- I will not go into a new online area that is going to cost additional money without first asking permission from my parent.
- I will never send a picture over the Internet or via regular mail to anyone without my parent's permission.
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