subject: Making It Work for You and Your Kids [print this page] Making It Work for You and Your Kids
Why kids go online
The Internet opens the world for children. An endless supply of information and a choice of different ways to interact with others are instantly available. Even children as young as three go online to playgames. Older children, in addition to playing games, surf for fun, use e-mail, and instant messaging, chat rooms and message boards. They turn to the Internet for help with school work, to research projects, and to download music. Surfing is an exciting and active exploratory process with limitless possibilities, but there's a downside. The Internet has some inappropriate, even dangerous, material that can be harmful for children, and parents should carefully monitor their children's Internet use. Following are some areas of concern.The Internet has some inappropriate, even dangerous, material that can be harmful for children, and parents should carefully monitor their children's Internet use. Following are some areas of concern.
Children can access sites that promote hate, violence and pornography. Some sites carry propaganda regarding religious andethnic groups, information on gun availability and other issues which parents may prefer to discuss individually with their children.
Unsolicited advertising may attract children by offering free products if they supply personal or family information.
Children may be asked to join a club, meet a friend, or make contact with a person who is seeking to develop an inappropriate relationship.
Spending hours online and chatting on the computer may prevent children from developing social skills in a real context or engaging in physical activity.
What parents can do
In contrast to books, magazines and other printed resources that have safeguards (editors, proofreaders, and fact checkers) to spot misleading, unsuitable and inaccurate information, the Internet has no such safeguards. It's up to parents to provide guidance and supervision of their children's online activities to insure that they're getting the benefit of using the Internet.
Tips especially for young kids
Sit with your child when he/she is online.
Bookmark acceptable sites.
Use search engines with parental controls.
Don't allow e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms or message boards until age 9 or 10.
Teach about privacy; reiterate that children must never give out information about themselves or family members.
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