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Taming Technology ~

My children don't constantly run to the library to research a school projects like I once did; literally a world of knowledge is at their fingertips through one of several computers in our home and the internet.  Google makes World Book encyclopedia and National Geographics of my time look obsolete.  And I am thrilled for them.  But to think that my kids only use the internet for school research would be naïve.  They chat with friends, play online games, watch movies, listen to music, email teachers with questions, and much more. 

These kids have grown up using computers and the internet since they were in kindergarten (or younger).  In our home, a punishment isn't being sent to your room or getting grounded; a punishment is having your internet privileges taken away.  So, what's a parent to do?  My advice, keep in mind that if your kids can learn to use it, so can you, and, despite what most teenagers will tell you, internet access is a privilege, not a requirement of life (just like a car, in case my eldest is reading this).
 

Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind:

(1) Keep the communication open between you and your child.  You are their first and most important teacher and source of information, build on this.

(2) Keep the computer in a main room of your home, rather than the child's bedroom or a rec room in the basement.  You should be able to see what they are doing on the screen.

(3) Keep tabs on what your child is doing on the computer.  Know the passwords to your child's email accounts and randomly visit them; take advantage of the many screening software package available to parents to limit internet access of their children.  It's not an invasion of privacy; it's your job as a parent.

(4) Know where your child is.  Internet safety goes beyond the computer in your home.  It includes the computer at school, the computer at the library, and the computer at a friend's home.  It also includes arrangements to meet "new friends" they have met online at the local shopping mall; make this against your rules, unless you are there too (even then, be very careful!).  
 

Some great resources for more detailed information:

From the USA Department of Justice, FBI http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm
A letter and instructions to parents on what to watch for that might indicate that your child is at risk.    If you happen to be reading this from somewhere outside the USA, don't worry, the information is still valid to you.  I have attended multiple sessions for parents on internet safety here in Canada, and the warning signs are the same.  If you have concerns for your child, do not hesitate approaching the local police for help and guidance (they will redirect you to other local authorities, if needed).

Love Our Children http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/parent_internetsafety.php
A good site for parents to learn and use in guiding children.  Includes a Child/Parent Internet Safety Agreement, a Cyber Dictionary of terms just in case you're worried you might not be "in the know," and a section on Cyber Bullying.

Safe Kids and Safe Teens  http://www.safekids.com/ and http://safeteens.com/
A family guide to making the internet safe for kids and teens, including information about the growing popularity of teen blogging.

Good luck, and don't give up.  Being a parent is a very important job!

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Last website updates ~~~ November 2007

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