04:05PM Dec 13, 2007 in category Tips for Parents by Smart Sammy
- Make sure kids understand that strangers online are just as dangerous as strangers they meet in real life. They should never give out any information that could be used to identify or locate them and if they feel uncomfortable they should know to block messages from the other person and speak to parents, teachers or counselors at school.
- Online, people can pretend to be whoever they want, so make sure kids know to never assume that the person they’re talking to is who they claim.
- Do not allow children to have a personal computer in their bedroom. Keep the computer in a central location where you can easily monitor their internet use.
- Keep yourself aware of the other technology kids may use. Many cell phones, mp3 players and video game systems can be used to get online or make contact with strangers, so stay informed and impose limits where necessary. Take advantage of the parental controls that many of these new media technologies offer.
- Make sure your kids know what types of conversation are appropriate. Make sure they know to not spread rumors or use hateful speech online and if they feel like they are being bullied or harassed online make sure they know they can talk to a parent, a teacher or a school counselor for help.
- Make sure kids understand that once something’s online it’s hard to make it go away. What they post now may affect them in the future.
Permalink
