The internet is a big part of life for young people today. In fact, if kids could have access to only one medium, more would choose the internet than the television, or telephone. No doubt, the new technology has plenty of benefits. But the information from the Internet is wide open, leaving it up to parents to provide kids with a road map and firm limits.
The following is an assessment of the potential hazards and how to guard against them:
1. Internet overload – Without restrictions, kids could spend endless hours in front of the computer, and that’s clearly not good for them. Children this age need regular physical activity to keep them healthy, as well as a lot of social interaction to help them develop their interpersonal skills. If your child is in front of the screen at the expense of playing outside or socializing, it’s critical that you limit his use. Start by setting limits on your child’s computer time. You can actually make a schedule for using the computer, and give him 2 hours for “screen time”. Computer in a shared living space rather than in your child’s room, allows you to monitor how much time he’s spending online and what he’s doing there.
2. Indecent exposure: Anyone who has unrestricted email, instant messaging or internet access is likely to get ads linking them to adult sites. To prevent your child from seeing these indecent ads, you can buy software that will block and filter these sites. Ask your child what he uses the computer for, and set firm rules about what you feel is appropriate and what is completely off-limits. Tell your child he will lose privileges if you find him visiting those sites.
3. Stranger danger: Kids need to understand the hazards of chatting with strangers online or arranging to meet someone they’ve encountered there. But it’s enough to warn them about the rare, worst-case scenario. You also need to make sure that your child realizes that Internet is a public space, even though it may feel private. Children should also be instructed not to give out personal information to anyone.
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