Parents are in a unique position to monitor their childrens internet activities and to observe their behavior with respect to any actions generated by the childs internet use. If children are hiding something from a parent, usually an astute parent will sense that something is askew... in these times it may well be internet associated. This is a delicate balance of empowerment and trust. And it is a wise parent that verbalizes this balance and discusses it openly with the child, especially teen age children. The internet is a powerful tool for schoolwork and knowledge. It is, at the same time, a significant danger, offering pornography to underage children and the real danger of a personal contact with an undesirable internet friend. Here are some ways that a parent can thwart the jeopardy: 1. The computer needs to be in a family room, not in the childs bedroom. 2. Parents should get computer smart and learn how the internet functions. 3. Be aware of your childs use of the computer. 4. Ask your children about their online friends. 5. Obtain programs that will block undesirable, adult sites. 6. Pedophiles use teen and preteen chat rooms to prey on children. Do not let your child enter any personal information in a chat environment. Chat rooms allow for one on one conversations... do not permit your children to engage in such conversations. 7. Be sure your child reports anything unusual that they observe on the internet, and, certainly never to answer any rude or offensive e-mails or messages. 8. Be sure your child knows that it is very dangerous to actually meet anyone that they have talked with on the internet. 9. Do not allow your child to send or receive any pictures on the internet from anyone not personally known to you. 10. Do not allow your child any late night sessions on the internet. There are many jeopardies in which children can be trapped. Many are discussed in a new book by Dr. Stuart J. Malkin, Empowering Children. More information at: http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2331-6 |
