The Internet is a great resource. It can be an enjoyable addition for your child's education and it can be a lot of fun too.
Despite all the benefits of the Internet it can be abused. There should always be guidelines in place before a child begins using the Internet. Here are some tips to ensure your child has a fun and safe experience on the Internet.
Talk To Your Child About The Dangers
Make sure you sit down with your child and explain what they need to be careful of and why they can't trust everything on the Internet.
Install A Filtering Program
There are lots of great tools available to help you protect your children. These tools can let you limit how long and when they can use the Internet and where they can go.
Keep The Computer Where You Can See It
Make sure that you keep an eye on what your child is doing when on the computer. It is a good idea to have the computer in an open and high traffic area of the house so they are easy to monitor.
Check The Browser History
Every browser keeps track of what websites were viewed. This is an easy way to make sure your child is not getting into trouble and viewing objectionable websites.
If The History Is Erased Find Out Why
If you descover that your child has erased the browser history make sure you investigate why. This is usually a warning sign that they are doing something they don't want you to know about.
Keep Your Child Accountable
Talk to your child about what they do on the Internet. If your child knows you will be checking up on them they will be less likely to break the rules.
Beware Of Chat Rooms
Chat rooms can be a lot of fun but they can also be very harmful. If your child is using a chat room you should be keeping a very close eye on the conversation.
Never Give Out Personal Information
You should not allow your child to give out any personal information about themselves or your family.
It doesn't take much time to follow these simple tips but they can make a big difference in the experience your child has while surfing the web. Teaching your kids about responsble Internet use is just as important as teching them not to talk to strangers.