subject: Top Ways To Accomplish Internet Safety For Kids [print this page] Now that most of Americas families have at least one computer in the home, Internet safety for kids is more important than ever.Children are often required to use the computer for school assignments, but many of them also chat and play games online, Interacting with people they have never met every day.How can parents practice Internet safety for kids?What should children know to keep out of harms way?
One of the most important things that parents can do is to be aware of their childrens friends, and take special note if they start talking about someone you have never heard of before.Ask questions, the first being about where they know this person from.If they do not hang out with the person at school or at home, this should be a red flag.
Another good idea is to limit their Internet use.The less time they spend on the Internet the less chance they will have of running into some middle aged psychopath pretending to be 10.Also, keep the computer in a busy place in the house.If your children know that they are very visible to family members they will be less likely to go to sites that you would not approve of.
The next tip for Internet safety for kids is very simple, yet many parents disregard it.ASK!If you need to know something, the best way to find answers is to ask, right?Your children are not exempt from being asked questions about what they are up to when they are on the computer.
Please keep in mind that it will not help any situation if you berate them.Children who are teenagers crave independence, which I am sure you remember.Make sure that you do allow your children to make some of their own decisions, but also be sure that you coach them on the right things to do while they are online.Most children want to know the reason for rules and regulations.Saying just because is not good enough.If they ask for an explanation, be sure to give them one; it will increase the chances that they will do as you tell them if they understand your reasons.
One of the most important things that your children can do is to never give out any personal information to anyone over the Internet without consulting you first.Pay attention to what your child is doing to the computer; if your 9 year old already knows how to clear the computers history and can change and set up his own passwords, it might be time for a discussion about Internet safety for kids.
