Internet Safety – What Parents Need To Know
As a parent, the reality of the Internet’s presence in your house is inevitable, though you might delay your child’s involvement in the online world. There are various things you may do to ensure your children’s safety while using the Internet.
Get educated yourself about the Internet and how it works. As a parent, one must learn what’s out there and how the internet works.
Children today have tons of choices to use the Internet – they can use social networking sites, surf the Internet for the information, download videos, music, images etc. both illegally and legally, publish information that others can see, and interact with strangers.
Computer addiction can start young so setting firm limits is vital for balance in a child’s life. Set up appropriate boundaries for your kids and a system for tracking them.
Some computer safety programs have integrated timers that allow parents to set limitations on a child’s computer time. Be ready to change the boundaries and guidelines based on several factors.
Below are the 11 things parents need to remember and look out for internet safety:
Not everyone is genuine
It is easy to create a false identity on the Internet and steal information or befriend someone
Not everyone is genuine
It is easy to create a false identity on the Internet and steal information or befriend someone
Not everyone on Social networking sites is a friend
Be mindful of who your child is befriending on these sites
What you share may not remain private
Social media is quite popular with children today and posting personal information like photos, places visited and sharing status is the in-thing. However, this information may reach unwanted people and can be misused
Put the Tablet/Computer in a public place
Children should not have private access to the Internet. The temptations are too great. The computer must be in a place where Dad or Mom could walk by and see what’s happening
Remember, privacy is a privilege, not a right
Parents ought to have the ability to read e-mails and review websites that the kid has visited. Kids on the web are faced with challenging and new temptations so close monitoring is essential
Establish Accountability
You don’t have to be obnoxious about tracking your children, but kids need to know what they’re doing on the Internet has been watched. Check up on your children often
Look at the history of the websites your children have visited
This way you will be able to keep a check on what sites your child is visiting and knowing that his browsing history is going to be checked, your child will avoid visiting sites he is not suppose to go to. You may also discuss it with your internet provider or supplier about sending you reports, if possible. it is very important for internet safety.
9. Read the e-mails and text messages they are receiving and sending
You do not have to do that secretly. Your kid should already know that liability is needed for Internet safety and its use
Use Parental Controls
Most browsers & Search Engines come with and filters to enable you to decide the degree of filtering based on the age of the children and display age-appropriate content
Set Up Family Computer Rules
The needs, age, development, personality, and maturity of every kid should be taken into consideration as you set up guidelines for computer use. Some kids shouldn’t be on the computer at all if they are not responsible enough to handle it
