The internet is going to be a fact of life for children from now on.  In Canada right now, 90% of young people use the internet on a regular basis.  As a learning resource, it simply can't be beat.  Online, your children have access to information they may need for school projects.  They can call on experts in practically any field of knowledge.  They can play games either on their own, or with the help of online friends.  They can keep in touch with their friends online, or make new ones from all over the world.

Unfortunately, the internet isn't all good.  Children must be supervised when they are going online because even if they aren't looking for trouble, trouble can find them very easily.  One of the biggest dangers are online predators who will take advantage of a child's innocence and trust.  Another thing is that anybody can create a website about anything, so there are pornography sites, pro-drug sites, hate sites and many other sites that parents would deem unsuitable for their children to see.  In chat rooms, your children can be exposed to bullies and hackers, in addition to the predators.

Here are some tips to help your children navigate the web safely:

• Don't let them surf alone.  Get the computer out of their bedroom and into a family room where Mom and Dad can keep an eye on what's going on.  Predators love it when children are unsupervised.  Participate with your child online.  Get to know the websites they visit, which programs they like to use, and how to use their favourite chat rooms.
  
  
• Discuss with your children the times of day they can go online, and for how long.  Make sure the kids get a break from the computer to spend with family and friends.
  
  
• Don't rely on filtering or blocking programs to keep unwanted information away from your kids.  There are many good programs out there, but nothing can replace a caring, concerned parent.
  
  
• Teach your kids not to give out personal information without a parent's permission.  That includes their names, passwords, family member's names, address, phone number, parent's place of work, school name, sports team names, community club names, email address or photos of themselves.  Children should ask permission before filling out online forms, as well.
  
  
• Your children should know not to believe everything they read online.  It's extremely difficult to tell when someone is lying to you online.  Even adults have problems with that.
  
  
• Keep the lines of communication open.  Let your children know that if they come across anything online that makes them uncomfortable or is wrong that they can come to you with it.
  
  
• Teach your kids netiquette.  They should be polite in their dealings with other people online.  It's easy for people to take offense at something typed on the screen when they can't tell by body language that someone is making a joke.  Also, the best way of dealing with online bullies is to ignore them.
  
  
• When handling email, tell your kids if they receive email from someone they don't know, they should just delete it.  They should also be careful about opening email attachments from anyone unless they are expecting them.
  
  
• Let your kids know they can tell you if they want to meet someone from online in person.  Arrange it so that the meeting is in a public place and that a parent will be coming along.

I know that seems like a long list of dos and don'ts, but they are well worth the time and effort.  I know many parents are uncomfortable around computers, but you shouldn't be!  When you and your family are surfing safely, your online time can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable.

Are you interested in talking about this subject further?
We have a discussion thread HERE