Internet Smarts: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
The world-wide web is:
a. An extensive library of intellectual treasures
b. A dangerous place for kids
c. An exciting playground for kids
e. A random collection of facts and opinions masquerading as facts, often challenging to distinguish from each other.
f. All of the above.
The
internet world is like a city: jam-packed with information and
resources worthy of the finest museums, but also holding menace for the
unwary. You wouldn't let your child wander unsupervised and unprepared
in a city. The risks are very real -- internet predators do lure kids
into meeting them, resulting in tragedies that include abduction and
murder. So in the same way that you appropriately monitor your child's
physical whereabouts, you'll want to supervise your child's internet
usage and teach her web smarts, from net ettiquette to web literacy to
simple safety.
Where do you begin? Online, of course. Start by educating yourself; then you'll be in a better position to protect and direct your kids. One good resource is WiredSafety.org,
Just remember that while your kids may know more than you do about technology, you know more about life. And you are allowed to set the rules and enforce them. You’re still the parent!
Once you educate yourself, launch into some homeschooling on net safety for your child. Luckily, there are some great sites for kids to go through to learn cyber safety. Stay nearby so you can assist -- and learn!
Recommended Resources:
- PBS- Includes a short list of safety tips for you to post for your kids.
- Disney- Good site for young kids to go through, learning about safety
- Media Awareness Network- Cool site that takes older kids through a Cyber Tour of 12 mock web sites to test their savvy surfing skills.
