Most parents have used a computer, either at home or at work and yet usually have no idea how to protect thier children from predators and simple kid mistakes. It used to be the worst you had to worry about as a parent was a simple fight at school over a girl or a boy. In the digital era, this drastically changes, kids have cell phones that have cameras and texting ability and parents simply leave the computer wide open.
In days prior, a diary was the childs outlet to the world, this just isnt the case any longer. Kids as young as 8 or 9 are keeping blogs and using social networking without parental consent or knowledge. Kids are bullying each other through these sites and posting outrageous rumors on these sites and not fully understanding how it affects the other person nor them.
The internet seems so disconnected and there is no one to "face" per se and this makes a dangerous mix with emotionally immature children. The easiest way to solve some of these issues is to use parental controls. All modern operating systems have them and services like "Live parental controls" and AOL provide these controls for free. In this matter you can control the usage as well as monitor for keywords, while allowing the child some independance and privacy.
The first thing you MUST do is explain the responsibility of using a cell phone and computer. Share stories on the internet where kids have been hurt by misusing those resources. Lay out expectations and exactly what will happen if that trust is violated. Explain that you MUST approve ALL instant messaging contacts for safety and that although you can see their activity, you will only do this when appropriate.
There are many more ways to protect yourself and your children, feel free to email me or contact me with any questions. (please pardon any spelling errors!) Please visit my company website to contact me.
http://www.businesscitizenship.org/
In days prior, a diary was the childs outlet to the world, this just isnt the case any longer. Kids as young as 8 or 9 are keeping blogs and using social networking without parental consent or knowledge. Kids are bullying each other through these sites and posting outrageous rumors on these sites and not fully understanding how it affects the other person nor them.
The internet seems so disconnected and there is no one to "face" per se and this makes a dangerous mix with emotionally immature children. The easiest way to solve some of these issues is to use parental controls. All modern operating systems have them and services like "Live parental controls" and AOL provide these controls for free. In this matter you can control the usage as well as monitor for keywords, while allowing the child some independance and privacy.
The first thing you MUST do is explain the responsibility of using a cell phone and computer. Share stories on the internet where kids have been hurt by misusing those resources. Lay out expectations and exactly what will happen if that trust is violated. Explain that you MUST approve ALL instant messaging contacts for safety and that although you can see their activity, you will only do this when appropriate.
There are many more ways to protect yourself and your children, feel free to email me or contact me with any questions. (please pardon any spelling errors!) Please visit my company website to contact me.
http://www.businesscitizenship.org/
